A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - July 2019

July 4 is Independence Day, a day commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The declaration proclaimed the United States' separation from Great Britain and outlined the ideals of our nation, asserting that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

On this day, Americans honor the courage and commitment of the men and women who, throughout history, have strived to ensure these ideals are upheld and exemplified in every facet of society: our laws, polices, practices and behaviors. To celebrate the Fourth of July, many people will attend fireworks, parades, fairs and family gatherings. Other events include political speeches and special ceremonies.

July 4 is also Philippine Republic Day or Filipino-American Friendship Day in the Philippines. The day commemorates when the U.S. granted the Philippines independence with the signing of the Treaty of Manila in 1946.  Prior to that, it was considered a U.S. territory. Since gaining independence, our countries have had a long-standing friendship, with Filipinos having supported the United States in many international efforts.

Christmas in July is celebrated in many countries across the globe, particularly those in the southern hemisphere such as in Australia, Comoros, Madagascar, Bolivia and South Africa and New Zealand. While the exact dates vary widely (with events held on various weekends), it is usually recognized around July 12.

Since the seasons in these countries are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere (with the peak of the winter in July), Christmas in July events there help give them a winter feel. Activities include adorning buildings with decorations and Christmas lights, attending festivals, caroling, ice skating and holding get-togethers. In the U.S., many can take advantage of retail sales and watch Christmas movies to recognize the occasion.

Mandela Day or Nelson Mandela International Day takes place on July 18 to honor Nelson Mandela, the late South African leader. (Mandela was born on 18 July 1918.) The day is celebrated globally to promote peace and Mandela's legacy. His activism, courage and determination led to many significant achievements including the end of apartheid in South Africa in the early 1990s, as well as the country's first democratic government and becoming the first black president of South Africa in 1994.

On Mandela Day, everyone is encouraged to honor his legacy through volunteering and community service-take action and inspire change the way he did throughout his life.

On July 26, we remember a landmark federal law that protects the rights of those with disabilities.  President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, prohibiting discrimination against people with a physical or mental impairment. Employers were also required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities and public accommodations had to be accessible to the disabled. The law marked a monumental milestone for those with disabilities, ensuring they had the same rights, opportunities and access as every citizen in our nation.

At LifeBridge Health, we celebrate both what makes us diverse and unique, and what makes us the same - our shared purpose of caring for communities together.