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Happy Friday, and happy Independence Day!
As we enter this holiday weekend, I hope you'll join me in taking a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Independence Day. Growing up outside of Philadelphia (lots of trips to Valley Forge, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell) and being part of a military family, we often reflected on the sacrifices made by those whose wisdom and courage birthed this nation. Many of us will gather, as my family does, for fireworks and cookouts and I hope you safely enjoy those opportunities. I also hope you will honor the ideals of freedom, democracy, and the generations of Americans who have fought to protect them.
The promise of freedom and the recognition of those ideals are experienced differently by each American. In 1852, Frederick Douglass, in an Independence Day speech said, “The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. The sunlight that brought light and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” Douglass spoke to his experience as a slave while simultaneously expressing admiration and praise for the greatness and bravery of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
American has strived to live up to our ideals, succeeding at times, failing at others. In the midst of the struggles in this moment in time, and remembering the struggles in our history, may we continue to acknowledge and celebrate the gifts of this democracy and strive for liberty and justice for all. I hope we this opportunity to come together with our neighbors and celebrate what unites us.
I wish you and your family a happy and safe Fourth of July. May it be filled with joy, reflection, and connection.
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