Fourth of July Perspective

Yesterday was our nation’s birthday, and I hope you celebrated it in a big way! Did you have a cookout with the traditional summer fare–hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs and all the tasty side dishes of corn, cold slaw, and baked beans? But did you top it off with a gigantic birthday cake sporting a vast array of red, white, and blue candles? Most likely you spent time with your friends and family enjoying some type of food gathering, but I doubt if you had a cake with 200 plus candles. Not until I did some quick math, did I realize how old our country became on her most recent birthday.

Yes, we have been celebrating our country’s independence for a long time-241 years to be exact. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence which signified the thirteen colonies separation from the British Empire. While our independence would not be officially recognized until the Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783, that did not keep the colonists from celebrating.

In fact, John Adams and our founding fathers knew that the 4th of July was indeed a day to celebrate, and he had specific ideas about what this celebration should include. Enthusiastically he described the details in a letter to his wife Abigail, “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.”

Thanks to John Adams’ vision, we have a rich celebratory tradition, and I am grateful that several years ago I got to experience this patriotic holiday first-hand in our nation’s capital. That day people flocked into DC wearing their colorful red, white and blue shirts, shorts and hats to enjoy food, fun, and family at locations throughout the National Mall. The mood was festive in spite of the typical summer heat and humidity, and as the day ended many gathered on the west lawn of the Capitol in eager anticipation of the grand finale.

A Capitol Fourth, a thirty-seven year PBS tradition, is a true birthday extravaganza featuring patriotic music, star-studded entertainment and spectacular fireworks. As the hot day slowly caught a slight breeze with the setting of the sun, the entertainment finally began and accelerated everyone’s upbeat, patriotic mood. People of all ages, from near and far were waving flags in time with the music and cheering with each group’s performance. Then on large viewing screens scattered throughout the Mall area, a banner flashed the final countdown to the start of the fireworks display. Five, four, three, two, one, and the loud booms began; echoing first from the firing cannons and then from the brilliant fireworks illuminating the sky. Accompanied by segments of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, it was a powerful beginning. With “ohs” and “ahs” from the crowd, our faces looked skyward in anticipation of the next explosion. Bright colors, unusual designs and stunning combinations thrilled us for the next twenty minutes. Then the captivating finale filled us with wonder, awe and pride for our country and our freedom.

As I remembered that special Fourth of July in Washington, DC, I also thought about my parents and wondered how they had celebrated during the war year. With so many uncertainties and rationed goods, were there any festivities at my mother’s family farm? Probably not, as resources were scare and were needed to support the war effort. But I feel certain that they paused for a moment to give thanks for all the bounty this county had afforded them.

For my father who spent three years in the Pacific, was it just another day working on trucks in the New Guinea jungles or did he get a special meal and an extra beer ration? Most likely it was a very low-key day. However, I am confident that he and the other soldiers also fighting on foreign soil were especially reflective about the significance of Independence Day. It had to be a vivid reminder of their important roles in preserving and protecting our still young nation.

This year I truly gained a new perspective about this important July holiday. Yes, I proudly wore the stars and stripes, and I savored all the tasty BBQ treats. I excitedly watched the PBS special and even enjoyed our neighborhood’s simple fireworks. But deep inside of me, I realized the significance of the day, and I couldn’t contain my emotional explosion of patriotic gratitude. Immediately I started singing part of Lee Greenwood’s well-known song, I Am Proud to be an American.

And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me

And I gladly stand up
Next to you and defend her still today
Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA

Happy 241st Birthday, “Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God Bless the USA.”