I know for most people out there, the 4th of July is a day of fireworks, cooking out, boating, etc. (or huddling in their abode with their scared pets 😉 ) and many don’t understand the origins of it and why it is celebrated. It is, basically, to celebrate independence after a hard long fought battle against the British.
American Forefather John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail Adams on July 3rd stating.
“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
We still do some of those things, mostly “illuminations”, but the spirit is still there for me.
Despite our country’s difficult beginnings.
Despite the atrocities committed by us against others, and atrocities committed against us by outside forces, that got us here.
Despite wars, both foreign and civil.
Despite powers who struggle to fundamentally destroy the initial vision of what America can be and what it is now.
Despite all the horrific things that continue happening today supported/condemned by any side of the political spectrum.
Despite our backgrounds and whether we are direct descendants of the European founders, indigenous peoples, multi-generational immigrants (since the founding) or recent new comers who have became citizens, we are all Americans.
Even if you may not like how this country was founded or are a gung-ho “patriot”, the United States of America is still the greatest force for overall positive change on this planet. Some may not see or believe it, but when visionary people like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla and sooooo many others, all of either foreign birth or heritage, can do what they’ve done freely here. It is a great country.
We are all Americans and we are all free to be what we want to be, it may not be easy all the time, but when opportunities and risks are taken, great things can happen. We can all have different stories, different opinions, agree/disagree, yell and argue and still be a proud American and be proud of what has been created out of the suffering of the past.
You must be logged in to post a comment.