July 03, 2009 11:35 pm
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Today we celebrate the greatness of a nation. We celebrate a nation forged from a philosophy that was matched in its audaciousness only by its spirit. Today we light fireworks, munch down hot dogs and revel with friends and family. Sure, we may lose sight of what we celebrate, but the mere fact that we are able to celebrate should provide comfort.
Our nation has not always been perfect. There is no perfection except in the hands of the creator. But we too often focus on the missteps of our nation as if trying to apologize for the greatness of the land of freedom. Too often we find ourselves being preached to by people who seem, perplexingly, to be embarrassed by our country’s richness of spirit and capital.
So, let’s reflect upon our nation for a moment.
Imagine what had to seem like the absolute implausibility of the colonials who rose up against the British Empire over 200 years ago. Out-manned, overwhelmed by superior weaponry and going up against some of the greatest military minds of the time, our ancestors forged ahead, burnished only by a singular desire: freedom. They were seeking freedom from abusive taxation, freedom to worship, freedom to express one’s own thoughts without government interference and issuing a demand of freedom from tyranny. And, most importantly, the right to cast a vote and decide in democratic fashion our nation’s leaders.
Such thought was beyond radical. It was unthinkable. How could people expect such freedom without the direction of a monarchy to keep peace and order? Yet, somehow, through nearly unimaginable hardship, struggle and strife, those first Americans pulled it off and today we celebrate their triumph. It was a triumph that would result in what is still considered the world’s shining beacon of freedom.
How do you place a value on freedom? You can’t. But don’t doubt for a second this nation has unselfishly given in fiercely maintaining its independence. That sacrifice, not just in protecting our own shores and freedoms, but in the interest of stopping the spread of tyranny worldwide, is breathtaking.
According to figures published by Dept. of Veterans Affairs, 651,030 Americans have lost their lives on the battlefield in war from 1775 through 1991. (The current “Global War on Terror” is considered an ongoing conflict and therefore battlefield casualties are not included in that number.) Americans have sacrificed unselfishly on our own shores — over 200,000 died in the Civil War — and abroad. Nearly 300,000 Americans perished on the battlefields of World War II.
Our sacrifice has not gone unnoticed and the paradigm established by our republic remains a model citizens around the world clamor for when crying out for freedom in their homelands. It is a cry that we must not ignore if we are to continue to be that paradigm of hope, that beacon of freedom.
Today we are focused on events in Iraq and many question whether our mission to that troubled land was justified. But that nation has recently conducted its first-ever free elections and is no longer under the thumb of a violent despot. Our troops will soon leave their cities, handing back to that nation an unprecedented opportunity for democracy in an otherwise tyrannical Muslim world. Once again America fulfilled a vital role in the worldwide advancement of freedom and liberty.
As noted earlier, America has many critics who do not concur with such a sense of “American Exceptionalism,” pointing out our own dark chapters. Yes, we have had blemishes, no; make that serious, self-inflicted wounds. Slavery remains a very sad time in our history as does the forced re-location of Native Americans. But the greatness of a nation also comes from introspection and by its response to internal strife. We recognized the wrongs and, despite significant inner turmoil, moved to correct those wrongs. Matters that would have destroyed a lesser nation, have only served to make America greater.
French philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville wrote in his landmark 1835 book, “Democracy in America,” that “America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.” We, as a nation, have been tested, we have been challenged and we have persevered. Indeed, we have continued to be good.
Do not allow yourself to be brow beaten by America’s detractors into thinking our nation is anything less than the world’s greatest success story. Enjoy that hot dog or hamburger guilt-free and look to the firework lit skies with pride.
But please also allow a moment to recall the birth of a nation while gathered around the swimming pool with friends and family.
And be grateful for a little miracle called America.
Ruthenberg is copy editor at the News & Eagle. He can be reached at daver@enidnews.com.
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