The dictionary shows the definition of "traditions" as this:

tra·di·tion (tr...-d¹sh"...n) n. 1. The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication. 2.a. A mode of thought custom or usage. or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation;

            The meaning is quite clear. If we do not have traditions, we will not pass out culture or behavior to our children. It is that simple. Many traditions have been followed in this country of ours since the beginning. Tradition taught us to look at history and understand why our country was the best and freest in the world. As long as we continued these traditions, we would remain free and strong.

            As out population spread and families were broken up, traditions were not followed and they were slowly forgotten. Even out most sacred holidays are not celebrated as they once were. Without these traditions, our country has lost its compass. It is traveling in no clear direction. It is like a ship without a port, wandering aimlessly just hoping to find something. What the country seeks is what we once had. Picking up the old tried true traditions will point us once again in the right direction.

            Traditions all began with family traditions. Human behavior was designed by the acceptance of family traditions. It was a chance for all us to learn from one another. Alas, family traditions are fast becoming a thing of the pass. Many traditions are no longer even in existence. The importance of the family has fallen causing individuals to wander just as those ships at sea.

            That is one thing that makes me proud of my family. We have not only kept our traditions, but we have added some new ones the last generation. It was always traditional for us to be with our immediate family on Christmas. Now we not only do that, but we have added the tradition of the gathering of all our relatives at one place during the Christmas holidays. I have friends that have commented on what a wonderful tradition it is and wish their family would all get together sometime. Our family gathers twice a year. Almost everyone attends at least one of these gatherings.

            The thing that makes me proudest of my family though, is a tradition we started just a few years ago. It is the Ladies Luncheon. What a great idea to let the women in our family have a time of their own. That is very rare in today’s world. It gives them a comradeship that is usually only formed by men. Men have always had such gatherings and meeting that strictly excluded women, and it has been accepted. They formed strong bonds and could always count on support from fellow buddies. Women had no such groups.

            The Family Ladies luncheon makes up for that. This tradition allows our wives, daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, and cousins to meet in an environment where they can just be themselves without fearing that a man will be upset at what they say or their behavior. They can talk “women speak” without fear of being ridiculed or teased. In short, they can be women and behave as such, just, as the men behave as men in their meetings.

            I believe the strength of our country lies in the strength of our families. Without strong families, the country will cease to exist.