Independence

First, I sat on the edge of the bed and texted Independence Day good wishes to my family.

I believe my generation is responsible for passing along reminders of certain days as they come up, like Independence Day, D-Day and Pearl Harbor Day.

I was only 4 when Pearl Harbor was bombed. It is likely I only remember what I was told. I was 7 when my grandfather and I laid in the living room floor and he poured over a map, explaining D-Day to me. This I remember. Clearly.

Independence Day? Contrary to rumors, I do not have any personal recollections of the signing. Even though my high school U.S. History text book had a chapter titled “The War for Southern Independence”, it must have had a stirring presentation of the American Revolution. However, since July 4th comes in July there was never a classroom project focused on it.

Still, at some time, I was taught about Lexington and Concord, Paul Revere’s ride, George Washington and Valley Forge. David Mc-Cullough and HBO taught me about John Adams. Forget the portraits, our second president will always look like Paul Giamatti to my mind’s eye.

The signing. It was John Adams who suggested we should celebrate the occasion with bonfires, bells, illuminations and such. So, when I was awakened by sizeable aerials shortly after midnight, I rightly thought, “Curse you, John Adams!”

With dark, photos of the great-grandkids lighting fireworks start to arrive. A 15-year-old twirling a roman candle about in his hand, doing things I once did but now know I shouldn’t have done. What could go wrong circling an exploding stick made of recycled cardboard by childlabor in China? Really? You think that much?

The Capitol Fourth airs on PBS each year. Billie and I listen, watch and enjoy.

Somewhere in here, I am reminded that ours is the only county that has an identifiable birthday and was founded upon on idea. Independence.

Given Independence Day the struggles of our current democracy, it is impossible not to remember Ben Franklin’s response when he was ask, “What kind of government have you given us?” He answered, “A republic. If you can keep it.”

Franklin was correct. A republic because it is created on an idea by idealist, by dreamers, must be kept. Dreamers who were willing to sacrifice everything they owned or hoped to own for an idea. Just think about that.

Sustaining a vision is not easy. It never has been, it never will be. Ask a Ukrainian.

*The American Revolution was a beginning, not a consummation.* – Woodrow Wilson

Hal McBride writes a column, Just Thinkin’, published each week.