America’s birth is proof we overcame long odds to become who we are. We can do so again. Happy 4th of July
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” — Declaration of Independence preamble
The United States celebrates — and that is the proper word — its freedom on Friday, July 4. Independence Day this year marks 249 years since a brave band of English colonists decided they could no longer live under the thumb of an oppressive power.
It was in many ways a terrible decision. Great Britain was among the most powerful nations on earth. It had the best navy in the world, a standing army, and plentiful resources.
The 13 colonies had none of that. They were poorly financed, with no regular military, and were often fighting among themselves. Victory seemed unlikely, if not impossible.
But the Americans — as they began to call themselves — did have advantages. They were fighting on their own soil, for land they had owned and worked on, for cities they built and farms they planted.
They were unified by anger over British abuses, including oppressive taxes, limits on their ability to trade freely and advance their economies, and being forced to house soldiers in their homes. The patriots were pushed too far, and they decided to push, and fight back.
There were other reasons for their victory. France was glad to see its ancient rival diminished and defeated, so it produced much-needed support during the conflict. While there are those who insult the French or scoff at them, we must remember the debt we will always owe them.
The United States of America — and that’s what they became — had one other asset that proved invaluable. George Washington.
Washington was a very, very wealthy man. He owned massive amounts of land and could have led a life of luxury and leisure, but he was drawn to service.
His military record can be traced to the French and Indian War, which lasted from 1754-63, to his leading role in the Revolutionary War and even after, when he led troops against the French after leaving the presidency.
Washington set an example of putting his country first. He was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, a legislative body, served as president of the Constitutional Convention and was elected president without opposition in 1789 and 1792.
The Father of our Country was offered the titles of “His Majesty” or “His Highness the President” and rejected all such labels. He preferred “Mr. President.”
Washington could have served as long as he wished, but he retired after two terms. His health had faltered and he had served his country for a half a century.
The men who created this nation — and the women who were at their sides and provided valuable counsel and support — were not gods. They were human beings, capable of petty jealousies, foolish choices and regrettable errors.
But they were determined to create a country better than them, better than any other on the planet. They did so, too.
Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, the wise and incredibly accomplished Benjamin Franklin, the sturdy and brilliant John Adams, among others, did their work well. They invented a nation that has endured for two and a half centuries and will live on for many decades.
They pledged “to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor” in the document released to the public on Thursday, July 4, 1776.
We don’t see any Washingtons, Jeffersons, Franklins or Adams on the political scene today. We see and hear from deeply flawed, angry men and women who are largely unwilling to make a significant difference or a lasting impact.
That can change, too. It has in the past.
Have there been squabbles or outright wars? Have political rivals harmed the country with their feuds and personal attacks? Has the government made terrible choices that greatly harmed Blacks, Native Americans and others?
Yes, all occurred. But we have learned from our errors, regretted our mistakes and worked to create a nation where all people have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
We are enduring a time of great strife now. The United States is deeply divided. We are torn by very different views on myriad issues, with millions of people sure they are good and right and their opponents evil and wrong.
This is a rocky time, and one most Americans will regret. We are better than this and we must set aside the insults and taunts, the hate and the anger, and find common ground to continue to improve the greatest nation on earth.
Enjoying the Fourth of July should serve as a reminder of our common mission to work together, to be proud together, to be Americans together.
Sounds impossible? Seems to be too much to ask for? Just an idle dream and not reality?
That’s what was said in 1776. But the patriots overcame their differences and struggled past their many challenges and overcame the odds.
We can again, if we want. There is a path we can follow.
Happy Fourth of July.
Fourth-generation South Dakotan Tom Lawrence has written for several newspapers and websites in South Dakota and other states for four decades. He has contributed to The New York Times, NPR, The London Telegraph, The Daily Beast and other media outlets. Do not republish without permission.
Photo: The Battle of Bunker Hill by John Trumbull, public domain, wikimedia commons
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