On July 4th we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The actual resolution of independence occurred on July 2nd. The statesman and second President of the United States John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail that was prophetic."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."
President Adams might have had the date we celebrate wrong but his predictions of our pomp and parade are true to this day. July 4th is a day when Americans take to the streets and fields with parades and fireworks to celebrate our countries independence. It's a day of flags, picnics and pride.
This pattern is a bit over the top but so is my patriotism and pride for America. I'm proud of it's people that struggled through two world wars. I'm proud of it's people that endured a great depression. I'm proud of it's people that fought injustice and understand that all men are created equal. I'm proud of a government that struggles every day with decisions that drive us nuts but somehow has managed to keep us free, safe and united.
In a world where patriotism is sometimes looked at with suspicious eyes I say stand up and celebrate what our country does well. Stand up and criticize when our country fails. The freedom to do both is the currency that will buy us respect and trust in a world with too little of both.
