Patriotic Greetings!
Once again, we celebrate like it's 1776 all over again, recounting the pivotal days that birthed the independence of the United States of America.
Following the conclusion of conflict between Britain and France in 1763, tensions increased between Britain and its 13 North American colonies as the British government steadily increased control over colonial affairs. As the colonists resisted, the British government reacted more intensely, until the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, launched war, increasing momentum for the colonies' independence.
Once again, we celebrate like it's 1776 all over again, recounting the pivotal days that birthed the independence of the United States of America.
Following the conclusion of conflict between Britain and France in 1763, tensions increased between Britain and its 13 North American colonies as the British government steadily increased control over colonial affairs. As the colonists resisted, the British government reacted more intensely, until the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, launched war, increasing momentum for the colonies' independence.
On June 7, 1776, Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee presented the following resolution before the Continental Congress: "Resolved. That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."
After some initial discussion, the Congress decided to schedule a vote on the resolution for July 1 as the colonies used the interval to consider their stance on the resolution. Meanwhile, Congress appointed a committee to draft a document explaining the move for independence should it be needed, and Virginia delegate Thomas Jefferson was its primary author.
On July 1, Congress discussed the resolution. The following day, Tuesday, July 2, 1776, Congress adopted the independence resolution by a unanimous vote. After discussing Thomas Jefferson's draft, they adopted the Declaration of Independence on Thursday, July 4.
Following several more years of war, the American colonists won a decisive victory at Yorktown against the British in October 1781. On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris 1783 formally concluded the war, and the United States of America became fully independent.
These days at the start of July stir something deep within me, because I celebrate my identity as much as I celebrate how this nation I call home began.
One place that stewards this particular period of history is the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, blocks away from the Old Pennsylvania State House/Independence Hall. While I have yet to visit the museum, I have seen some of its wonderful offerings online, especially presentations on YouTube. One insightful presentation featured someone who participated in a citizenship class at the museum as part of preparations for naturalization.
The museum opened five years ago on April 19, 2017, the anniversary
of the Battles of Lexington and Concord that triggered the American Revolution
War. Joe Biden spoke at the
opening ceremony. He spoke about the idea of the United States, particularly
that this country was founded on ideas and principles. He then called on
us to consider what we can do to ensure those ideals continue.
Those ideas were put down on paper in the Declaration of Independence. From the start, the USA is a nation that is about ideas of liberty, freedom, and equality. The pursuit of more fully realizing those ideals has been a driving force throughout our history. This time of year is an ideal opportunity to spend time musing on those words. Let us remember that these rights are sacred, like Thomas Jefferson wrote in a draft of the Declaration, since they are are gifts from God, Who has created us. Government serves the purpose of upholding those rights for its people, and the government that the people of the USA created was focused on the people like no government had before in history, especially in supporting the people to live freely.
Those ideas were put down on paper in the Declaration of Independence. From the start, the USA is a nation that is about ideas of liberty, freedom, and equality. The pursuit of more fully realizing those ideals has been a driving force throughout our history. This time of year is an ideal opportunity to spend time musing on those words. Let us remember that these rights are sacred, like Thomas Jefferson wrote in a draft of the Declaration, since they are are gifts from God, Who has created us. Government serves the purpose of upholding those rights for its people, and the government that the people of the USA created was focused on the people like no government had before in history, especially in supporting the people to live freely.
These words truly come alive in a place like Philadelphia, where these pivotal events took place. I think about how 6 years ago
last month, that history became more real for me as my long-held dream of
visiting the Old Pennsylvania State House finally came true when I had the
opportunity to travel to Philadelphia in June 2016. Walking into the
building was an exhilarating experience. I enjoyed other sightseeing in
Philadelphia, too, that connected with the origins of this country, and, in a
sense, who I am as a citizen.
I was fortunate to visit Philadelphia again for a short day trip a few months ago, and toured the Old Pennsylvania State House. The tour narration was different than my first time, and I liked how Sarah, the ranger, shared different aspects of the history, which helped us as visitors appreciate what happened there and its broader implications.
In a similar spirit, I realize that visiting Washington, D.C., is a way to connect with my identity as a US citizen. This planned city has come to embody so much of what the United States has become since the important days of 1776 in Philadelphia. I think that's why when asked by one of my students about my favorite place to travel, Washington, D.C., rose to the top of a list of many places I've enjoyed visiting.
I was fortunate to visit Philadelphia again for a short day trip a few months ago, and toured the Old Pennsylvania State House. The tour narration was different than my first time, and I liked how Sarah, the ranger, shared different aspects of the history, which helped us as visitors appreciate what happened there and its broader implications.
In a similar spirit, I realize that visiting Washington, D.C., is a way to connect with my identity as a US citizen. This planned city has come to embody so much of what the United States has become since the important days of 1776 in Philadelphia. I think that's why when asked by one of my students about my favorite place to travel, Washington, D.C., rose to the top of a list of many places I've enjoyed visiting.
One of my favorite places to visit there is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, built in honor of the Patroness Saint of the USA, Mary of the Immaculate Conception. In this sacred space, I can enter into a deep spirit of prayer for this country. And the many different chapels honoring Mary's appearances in other countries display the great cultural diversity that has become part of the USA while entering into a spirit of prayer, inspired by the Patroness of this land.
One national treasure is the Smithsonian Institution, which resulted from a curious provision in the will of British scientist James Smithson. It's amazing how much is on display at the museums, and is only a portion of the entire holdings. While in Washington, D.C., a few months ago, as the end of our time there drew near, I decided to act on my desire to visit the American History Museum so I could see the Star-Spangled Banner exhibit. While I had seen it before, I desired to connect with the actual object that inspired the national anthem, a part of how we express our identity.
Besides the Smithsonian museums, it's fascinating to visit presidential museums and see the items on display from the president's time in office and even outside of the administration years. The objects give a real feel to the president's experience. Visiting the George W. Bush Museum in Dallas last summer helped me reconnect with the years when I was coming of age and history that I've seen.
Clearly, the American Revolution, including the events of those momentous days at the start of July 1776, has become something greater than itself. These ideas lead to the creation of the US Constitution, which regarded as a sort of experiment in democracy, and has led to the USA as a great nation. We have the opportunity to continue the work, inspired by what has come before us. And this time of year is a great chance to reconnect with what got us started and what we've become as a nation.
One national treasure is the Smithsonian Institution, which resulted from a curious provision in the will of British scientist James Smithson. It's amazing how much is on display at the museums, and is only a portion of the entire holdings. While in Washington, D.C., a few months ago, as the end of our time there drew near, I decided to act on my desire to visit the American History Museum so I could see the Star-Spangled Banner exhibit. While I had seen it before, I desired to connect with the actual object that inspired the national anthem, a part of how we express our identity.
Besides the Smithsonian museums, it's fascinating to visit presidential museums and see the items on display from the president's time in office and even outside of the administration years. The objects give a real feel to the president's experience. Visiting the George W. Bush Museum in Dallas last summer helped me reconnect with the years when I was coming of age and history that I've seen.
Clearly, the American Revolution, including the events of those momentous days at the start of July 1776, has become something greater than itself. These ideas lead to the creation of the US Constitution, which regarded as a sort of experiment in democracy, and has led to the USA as a great nation. We have the opportunity to continue the work, inspired by what has come before us. And this time of year is a great chance to reconnect with what got us started and what we've become as a nation.
It was so wonderful that just days ago was the Gubernatorial Primary Election Day in Illinois on Tuesday, June 28. For the sixth time, I was in the trenches, so to speak, working at the polling place in Maze Branch Library for Oak Park Precinct 16. After doing initial set-up the evening prior, I was up at 4 AM on that Tuesday morning, and arrived at Maze Branch Library right around 5 AM to get ready for the opening of the polls at 6 AM, grateful that sunrise around 5:15-5:20 let off some visible light as early as 4:45.
No doubt, it was a long, exhausting day. Yet, like in previous times I've served in this role, I was running on the adrenaline of the excitement of serving in this role in what was another exhilarating and inspiring day. That building has served an important role in my life, and during that day, I was part of making democracy happen for the voters who came to do their civic duty. One of the most interesting, and exciting parts of the day is when I register older teens to vote for the very first time. Voting for the first time was a significant experience for me, and I'm glad that I can be there to see new voters through that same process. It was also enjoyable to give "Future Voter" stickers to kids who came with their parents.
Working on Election Day, I enjoy seeing people I know from the community. Having served as many times as I have, I start to recognize some of the voters. Furthermore, it's very personally meaningful for me to see people from the Ascension Parish community, and most especially moms and dads of former students--and I sent many of them home with "Future Voter" stickers for the other young people in their households. Having taught for 9 years, I marvel at how the circle of life has now advanced so that this past Tuesday, I saw 3 former students of mine come to vote, one of whom I registered to vote for the first time. Another student was someone I registered to vote last year in the municipal elections. Just as I could take the gift of faith and hand it on to her and all my other students, I was in a position on Tuesday to hand on to her the incredible privilege of engaging with our citizenship, which is a great gift. And it was a great gift that all the other voters that day got to engage their citizenship by voting. It's this important act that originated, in part, during those profound days in 1776.
As we reach the Independence Day Celebrations once again, we truly have so much to celebrate.
And let's be inspired to live fully as people of the USA!
God Bless the United States of America!
To the Spirit of God and the Spirit of the USA,
Paul
P.S. This is my annual Patriotic Greetings note that I first wrote in 2008, and which has appeared annually on my blog since 2013.
Here are links to view previous years' notes that appear on my blog for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Please feel free to share with others.
If you'd like a print copy, please feel free to contact me and let me know where I should send it. A contact form is available on the sidebar of this blog page.
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| Last March, I was on tour inside the Old Pennsylvania Statehouse/Independence Hall. Above is the NPS ranger leading the tour in the Assembly Room. Below is my US flag that I took to World Youth Day as I hold it up before the scene of the Assembly Room. Both of these photos are mine. |
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| I can truly celebrate the USA by seeing the country I pass through onboard Amtrak. A fellow passenger named Chloe photographed me by the Texas Eagle train during the stop at Longview, TX, as I journey back from Dallas last summer. Below, my Dad photographed me at the View of DC in Arlington, VA, with a view overlooking the National Mall, a storied location that speaks so much to who we are. |
