A United Independence Day

Next week we’ll celebrate Independence Day.  I always look forward to the patriotic displays and decorations, the fireworks, and celebrating with family and friends.  In the past, for at least one day, the country comes together to celebrate all things American.  I wonder if the United States will celebrate or will it be individual Americans celebrating? 

To earn the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge, a Boy Scout must discuss the Declaration of Independence with his counselor.  As a Boy Scout counselor, I prepared to work with one of my scouts by reading about the Declaration of Independence and (re)discovered a few things (Isn’t loss of memory the first sign of old age? I can never remember).

On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, in essence, created the Unites States of America, by approving a resolution that dissolved its political and legal ties with Great Britain.  On July 4, 1776, Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, written to announce the break with Great Britain, establish the legitimacy of the break, and to document the grievances against the British Crown.

Across the top of the Declaration of Independence in the National Archive is, “In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America”.  In the final paragraph are the phrases “United States of America” and “United Colonies.”  I know from my history studies that not all colonists wanted to break from Great Britain and among the colonies, not all agreed on the issues of the day, slavery, religion, or commerce.  Yet, the members of Congress, “in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies” declared independence and established the United States of America.

Since the end of the Vietnam War, I can’t remember a more divisive atmosphere in this country.  I remember some of the war protests from that era—the police in riot gear, the protestors with their signs.  I remember feeling that the country was coming apart.  The country didn’t reunite until the Iran hostage crisis.  The American flags, the yellow ribbons, the prayer services, and the hope that all would come home safely are still vivid memories.

The 2000 presidential election was quite acrimonious.  The court battle, the arguments over a stolen election--these were things that divided us.  And then that terrible day in September 2001 united us.  Once again, there were American flags, and patriotic bumper stickers and ribbons.  All were reminders that, in a time of crisis, we were united.

When did we lose our unity?  It doesn’t feel like the country is united anymore.  Today’s arguments over immigration, lifestyles, economics, race, political philosophies, and the direction of the country seem to be tearing the country apart.  Red states, blue states, one-percenters, occupiers, haves and have-nots, and liberals and conservatives--all are labels that focus on the divisions among us.  The recent recall elections, the court rulings on health care and immigration, and the presidential election vitriol all fan the flames of divisiveness.

Wouldn’t it be great if, even for just one day, we could be the United States again?  On the birthday of this great country, let’s unite.  Fly an American flag, put a patriotic sticker on your car, or wear a patriotic shirt.  Heck, even if you just pin a red, white, and blue ribbon to your lapel, that’s a start.  Whatever you do, do something to celebrate the greatness of this country and forget the divisiveness and hate for at least one day.

Someone once said that America is at its greatest in times of tragedy and crisis.  I believe that is true because those are the times we seem to be the most united.  I hope it doesn’t take another crisis to unite this country. By then, it may be too late.

Happy Fourth of July!