America threw a big party on July 4 as we celebrated the nation’s 250th birthday.
In Keystone Heights, residents stood shoulder-to-shoulder, sometimes four- and five-deep to watch the Kiwanis Club’s “Sound of Freedom” Independence Day parade. It was a special moment, because nothing is better than a Small-Town America parade.
More than 100 marched a mile in sweltering conditions. Nobody complained. In fact, they handed out hands-full of candy and free bottled water.
That’s how America rolls when the people are left to their own devices.
It was a day of reflection, not wrangling. It wasn’t about Republicans, Democrats or Independents. There was no finger-pointing, unless you count a thumbs-up or a five-finger wave of approval.
Faces were painted in red, white and blue. Hats were covered in stars and stripes. The music was loud and proud. (By the way, Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” doesn’t put American values on a pedestal. It’s an anti-war, anti-governmental policy about the Vietnam War song).
July 4 was about embracing freedom, and for each of us, that often means something different. For one day, we were one people, united by a common good that was the result of courage, free thinking and sacrifice.
Being free means having the ability to think and talk for yourself, which means you are allowed to be wrong without consequences. People are allowed to believe Bernie Sanders on his “Fight Oligarchy” Tour, although he owns three homes, is worth about $3 million and, according to campaign filings, spent $221,723 on private jets last October-through-December. There are oligarchs who can’t live that lavishly.
But on July 4, our minds were focused on better things. We were cheering for Team USA in the World Cup, and we marveled how the rest of the world’s visitors to the Games were charmed by our country’s offerings and people.
One bragged about going to Waffle House for a great meal in the middle of the night. Another called Taco Bell “The Holy Land.” One Brit said his favorite sandwich came from Wawa.
And we have – and use – air conditioning.
Outsiders see the good here because many have more rights here than they do at home. Maybe we should learn from that.
When get embroiled in a political or civil debate, let’s think back to how most of us came together on July 4. We rallied around a common theme: how our nation evolved from an idea focused on freedom to become one of the greatest countries in the world.
We watched our children play on waterslides at Moosehaven and Keystone Heights. There was no divisiveness in their laughter. Just pure happiness.
We all were impressed by the massive firework shows at Moosehaven and Keystone Heights. It was a spectacular way to end a historic day. A day later, we were all back to our routines.
If only every day was like July 4, it would be a party like no other.
