The Spirit of 1783 in 2021

Once again, it's time to celebrate the anniversary of the Treaty of Paris 1783, marking the end of the American Revolution War, and when Britain recognized the independence of the United States.

It was quite a story of events that led to that day, and the history that has unfolded since then is incredible, too.  The United States was founded upon principles of freedom that define what this country is all about.  They are principles that resonate with humanity, and so it makes sense that the history of the USA has come to incorporate so much.  The vast breadth of this land also incorporates so much as this country has expanded to embrace a wide swath of peoples, places, and cultures, enriching this country as a whole.  I appreciate the opportunities to travel throughout the USA to see what is in this land.  I'm grateful for the experience of riding Amtrak that acquaints me with this land in a special way.

There has also been movement throughout history to this land.  Recently, I watched a video on the YouTube channel of the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia--a museum I'm eager to see at some point.  This video shares about a citizenship class that the museum offers to help immigrants prepare for the test as part of their naturalization process.  At one point in the video, it's mentioned that this program is unique in how it helps immigrants come to embrace their part in the story of the American Revolution and its legacy.

Indeed, it's amazing to see how our country has been enriched by people who come here, and embrace being part of the people of the United States, because there's something incredible we have that draws them.  I sense that's what makes naturalization ceremonies such a profound and moving event.

I've heard about naturalization ceremonies and I even saw a video of the ceremony held at Mount Vernon this past July 4.  I hope to attend one someday, and to even be part of helping an immigrant reach that important milestone.  It's definitely a celeration for the immigrants who become citizens, but also for us as citizens to recognize what makes this country remarkable and how people make the effort to be part of it.

So on days like September 3, as well as July 2 and 4, we have so much reason to celebrate.  May these celebrations inspire us to build upon the great foundation in place to edify this country to more fully realize the founding principles that offer something important to the world.

God bless the USA!