It’s the Fourth of July, America’s birthday.
What has the last year held? We’re fighting two wars overseas, and we’ve been weathering an economic crisis, yet we held elections as scheduled and passed power – peacefully and without protest – from one party to another, shifting from one political philosophy to a significantly different one, as chosen by We the People.
What have the last two-plus centuries held? Struggle amid hope, war and peace, crisis and calm, one group in power and then another. Through it all – progress. Over time, we have greatly broadened our thinking about who we mean when we embrace Declaration of Indepednence’s phrase that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It has not always been an clear or smooth trail, but when we have steered by our surest stars – freedom and fairness – we have enjoyed our best moments.
What will the next year – or the next century – bring? More challenges, more struggles and more triumphs. We will look into the eyes of our children and grandchildren, telling them to leave a better country to their children. We will look in the mirror and hope we are doing the same.
We will pause each Fourth of July, between bites of barbecue and watermelon, to take a quiet moment to reflect on America’s high ideals and the rich, solemn promise that passes from one generation to another.
