Did you catch the “Capitol Fourth Celebration?” Hope so. It was shown live on most news channels. Better yet, did you get out and watch a parade in your hometown on the 4th?
Truly wonderful celebrations of our nation’s 250th birthday! Celebration aside, what does it all mean?
No question, we are truly blessed! Okay, I understand that the phrase “blessed” might set some of you off. Sorry. Instead, let’s say that we are very fortunate to be where we are today, that we are safe, and that we can wave a flag as the parade marches past.
Fantastic!
Now take a moment and go beyond the images of the weekend’s celebrations. Consider the historical background. The liberties and freedom that we celebrate today did not happen by accident. Recognize that and you will appreciate today’s true significance.
In the late 18th century, most nation states existed within a clearly defined social order. The elites flourished by subjugating and exploiting the masses. No thought of equality or human rights. Not even a whiff.
The founders of what eventually became the United States defied that norm. They first rejected the taxes imposed by England. (Pay attention, Congress!) Britain responded by attempting to impose more harsh taxes and restrictions on their American colonies. Rather than meekly bowing to those repressive measures, the colonies united in resistance.
The outcome was by no means assured. Yet, on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress declared our independence, the act that we celebrate today.
The Declaration of Independence not only freed us from British rule but, more importantly, established a here-to-for unheard of set of principles defining the relationship between the government and the governed. It was the function of government to serve the people, not the other way around. This was, to borrow a term from the times, revolutionary in the extreme.
It took eleven years for this underlying principle to be codified in what we know as our Constitution. America is not perfect. The Constitution recognizes that fact and establishes an orderly system to manage government and to address our shortcomings.
Yes, we celebrate, and so we should. But as we do, we must recognize the bold steps taken by our Founding Fathers. Had they not, we would not be waving our flags as the parade marches past.
What about the next generation? There is hope. Many youngsters participated in this weekend’s celebration, jumping up and down, joyfully waving tiny flags. But do they understand the historical context? Are our schools teaching early American history?
Without such understanding, the next generation might bemoan our shortcomings and reject our system of government. Let’s hope not.