The Spirit of 1783 in 2025

Huzzah! It's time to party like it's 1783 as we mark the anniversary of the Treaty of Paris 1783 that made US independence official.  So we have another occasion to tap into the red, white, and blue spirit, and summon again the same patriotic fervor of the first days of July.  The anniversary of these events is a great opportunity for us to appreciate this country anew, its history, culture, people, principles, and identity.

I'm reminded of this each year when I watch a video called Discovering the USA, which my Grandma Dottie's friend Selma gave to me.  It goes on a tour of the USA from coast to coast.  Watching it stirs me deep within as I marvel at the vastness and richness of all that this country encompasses.  I was so inspired the first time I viewed it, I've watched it annually in the midst of celebrating the independence of the USA.  I remain grateful to Selma for her gift.

At the July 4 Ceremony at the National Archives, Colonel Everett Alvarez, Jr., a Vietnam veteran, said it well when he spoke about how freedom and liberty are fragile, as we realize when they're taken, and also their power.

These are great gifts indeed that are at the foundation of the identity of the USA.  We are meant to use them for noble purposes.

Yesterday marked the 80th anniversary of the ceremony aboard the USS Missouri when Japan signed the surrender documents that concluded hostilities of World War II.  In his remarks about the ceremony, President Truman expressed gratitude to God for this moment of victory, fully aware of how much sacrifice by so many made it possible.  Those who gave so much, especially in the armed forces, were strengthened in their resolve by the power of liberty.

So today, we seek to strengthen our resolve to uphold the principle of liberty to make much of the gift of this country.