When
this edition of the Windham Eagle newspaper hits the newsstands on Thursday and
arrives in mailboxes on Friday, the Fourth of July celebrations will be behind
us. Or will it?
In
my observation, what I find amazing about this holiday is that we celebrate in
unison, despite our differences. Now almost 240 years after the first
celebration, the enthusiasm around the birth of American independence is just
as strong as ever. Granted, it may be different than the first days of
merriment, it is the one holiday that most people all over the nation celebrate
together and have since its inception.
It’s
true that we no longer hold mock funerals of King George III to symbolize our
freedom from the monarchy as in the early years, but we do celebrate in one or
more of the following ways: parades, patriotic music, backyard barbecues and
picnics, swimming, boating, kayaking, laying on the beach and, last but
certainly not least, enjoying the fireworks that light up the evening skies.
The
gathering together as American citizens to celebrate in this way, whether we
agree with the politics of the country or not, is an important foundation for
another type of independence. The independence and freedom to exist in
alignment with our perception of a life well lived.
John
Adams, who assisted Thomas Jefferson in the writing of the Declaration of
Independence, was no different. He worked closely with five other individuals
(including Jefferson) to draft a formal document to justify the separation from
England. Despite his deep-seated views, he worked with others to meet a common
goal for the common good.
But
Adams has been referred to as a radical in various ways. It is said that he
believed the correct date to celebrate Independence Day was July 2nd
- because that is the date the Continental Congress voted in favor of the
resolution for independence. It didn’t matter to Adams that the resolution was formally
adopted two days later, on July 4th.
To
remain genuine to his personal viewpoint, it is reported that Adams refused
invitations to attend or celebrate 4th of July events as a form of
protest. How’s that for showing your independence on Independence Day?
The
fact is – Independence Day can be celebrated every day and in our own ways. Is
it easy to live together individually, celebrating it all? Well – maybe not
easy but it’s possible and it can be done. How?
If
we remember that we all warrant freedom and independence, no matter what – then
I think we could celebrate each other uniquely, together in unity, and the
freedom that comes with both every day. “Those who deny freedom to others
deserve it not for themselves.” (Lincoln).
I
think we all deserve it, don’t you?
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