Celebrating Your Independence in November

 By Marc Feala

For most people celebrating the independence of our country is done on the forth of July.  It is a time to honor our great country and those who have given their lives to ensure the freedom and liberties of this country.  So why should we celebrate the American Way on November 15?  Why should it be more than another Thursday?  Thursday November 15^th marks American Enterprise Day.

What is American Enterprise Day?  President Jimmy Carter established American Enterprise Day in 1980 as a way to embrace the American free enterprise system and it’s benefits.  “The American free enterprise system, the cornerstone of our Nation's economy, has endured and flourished for more than 200 years. It provides us with one of the highest standards of living in the world, and guarantees freedom of choice in a way that sets us apart among nations” said President Carter, in The Proclamation of American Enterprise Day.  If The Forth of July celebrates our independence, then the 15^th of November celebrates our way of life.  Our economic system encourages competition, and it is this competition that paves the way for the American culture.  A stroll down a local street may reveal several restaurants, a variety of retail stores, and a couple of auto body shops; the secret behind the existence of these shops is the free enterprise economy.  “I urge business, labor, agricultural, educational, professional, consumer and civic groups, as well as the people of the United States generally, to observe American Enterprise Day with appropriate activities that promote appreciation of the American free enterprise system and its benefits” continued Carter.

On Thursday November 15, make a conscious effort to celebrate American Enterprise Day and the American way.  When your family can’t decide on a restaurant, don’t get upset and flustered.  Instead, laugh and be happy because this is exactly what should happen every time.  As consumers, we almost have too many choices in what we buy, but relax and embrace them.  This is our way of life, and it is important to honor and remember it in an appropriate manner.