Some Thoughts on the United States

September 3 was the day in 1783 when the Treaty of Paris 1783 was signed, marking the end of the American Revolution, and making official the independence of the United States.  It's a day that I feel is as important as July 2 and July 4, 1776.

So I wish to hearken back to those July days to offer some thoughts on this day.

For all but two of the past 12 years (including this one), I have gone to the annual July 4 ceremony at the Chicago History Museum (formerly the Chicago Historical Society).  There's patriotic and American music, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, remarks by a public official or other significant community figure, and the firing of muskets by reenactors of a British regiment.

The past couple of years have featured some great speakers, and I wish to share some of their thoughts for my blog audience's ponderings on this occasion.

In 2012, Alderwoman Michele Smith, who represents the ward that includes the museum, spoke about the American idea of government being important in the local sense.  The local level is most in tune with the interests of the people, being based in their communities and neighborhoods.  It's important for us to get involved in our local governments as an essential part of our experience as citizens, as local governments most affect what happens around us.

In 2013, Carlos Tortolero, president of the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, spoke about his experiences as an immigrant to the US from Mexico.  His family made the journey in a "junky" car, but he then acclaimed that America is not a "junky" place.  Indeed, it is a place that has a special regard for the highest ideals of freedom and liberty, creating a society of substantially good quality, which draws people from all over.

This year, 2014, the speaker was Randall Dunn, the Head of the Latin School of Chicago, right across North Avenue from the history museum.  He noted that the US is unique in listing "the pursuit of happiness" among the three most important rights of the nation.  He shared about how we can pursue happiness: by being curious, sharing happiness with others, and living with a purpose.  Indeed, as part of our American experience, we are driven to attain those high ideals.  So happiness is not merely about feeling good, but seeking a greater good.

Every year, Gary Johnson, the President of the Chicago History Museum, shares some thoughts about some line that stood out to him from the Declaration of Independence, which is something different every year.  He shared some thoughts about the political ties that connect us.  He noted that we all share the common experience of being Americans, regardless of our opinions or perspectives.  He urged us to move beyond our disagreement and unite around the experience of being Americans.  Those are great words of wisdom, especially at a time when politics can get divisive in a heated and nasty way.  It's important for us to remember we're all Americans, and we have it in our power to collaborate in the midst of our differences for he betterment of our beloved country.

May these thoughts renew us Americans in the spirit of what our country is about, and urge us on to make it a righteous nation, this day, and every day.