I've Always Loved the Fourth of July

I am 76 years old, and I’ll tell you this. I’ve always loved the 4 of July.  Growing up in a relatively poor family on the Southside of Oklahoma City, it seemed to me that we didn’t have a lot to cheer about.  My parents were children of the great depression and the dust bowl.  Hard scrabble would be a good way to describe their lives, and ours also, to a degree.  But one thing that all of us could celebrate was Independence Day.  We were all proud to be Americans.  Being from a large family, often we would gather with our cousins to celebrate the 4th of July.  There was food, homemade ice cream, family and fireworks.  From a young age, I always loved fireworks.  Back then, we could still buy powerful cherry bombs, M80’s, real black cat firecrackers, roman candles, and a host of other incendiary devices.  The fact that all of us survived with a full set of fingers and eyes is amazing.

Along with the fireworks and family, there was also a sense of gratitude about how fortunate we were to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

But we don’t stay young forever.  As I grew, I started hearing things about something called the Cold War.  Nuclear threat was the topic of the day.  The Cuban missile crisis became a topic that further assaulted the innocence of my youth.  Then came Viet Nam and all that meant.  Suddenly, not all Americans were cheering for the Red White and Blue.  There were folks burning flags, refusing to go into the Army, protesting in the streets.  My notion of patriotism was being assaulted and challenged.

A host of events have transpired since then. One that stands out is  9-11.  America had been attacked by others who wished to destroy us, and we came together as a people. Patriotism ran high, for a season.

 Now I find myself as a 76 year old American, still trying to figure out what a fair definition of Patriotism is.  While I still struggle some, I have learned some things along the way. 

First, our country, and the dream of Democracy, was built on descent.  The notion of “America love it or leave it” is antithetical to our very founding. This Union was formed on the notion that descent is part and parcel of working to form a more perfect union. Most who challenge the status quo are patriots.  That is evident in everything the founders said and believed.  So, don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, challenge the power structure when you think it’s wrong. That's what patriots do.

Second, American Exceptionalism is a theory that blinds us to the truth.  I love our country.  But we have gaping flaws. To ignore those flaws under the cloak of American Exceptionalism, leads us in the opposite direction of forming a more perfect union.  We must be willing to admit our failures, and learn from others who have found better ways to solve complex  problems. 

 And finally, I have learned that we are better when we put into practice the teaching that all of us are created equal.  It’s not about skin color, gender, or ethnic origin. It’s about realizing the dignity and contribution of all our people. Diversity is the key to progress.   

Yep, I’m 76 years and I still love the Fourth of July. I still can get misty eyed when I think about the dream of a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Now, can someone pass me a sparkler?