It was special because it was the first time celebrating the holiday with Dr. Colleen Shogan as the first female Archivist of the United States. She offered a thoughtful reflection on the occasion, which speaks to how the USA started based on principles of equality, liberty, and freedom. Those principles weren't perfectly realized at that time, in part because the prevailing worldview was based on inequality, that some people were higher up the hierarchy than others, particularly because of the circumstances in which they were born. So it was truly revolutionary for Thomas Jefferson to write that "all men are created equal". Fortunately, much progress has been made to expand that vision to include many more people, because it was meant to be so encompassing. As Dr. Shogan stated, it was meant for others. And so we are inspired to keep advancing this vision. And we are blessed to be in a society so focused on freedom, which is kind of what Doug Williams indicated in his remarks as the keynote speaker. There's so much freedom in this country, and how great it is we live here, even as we keep striving. (Dr. Shogan's remarks start near the 28:00 mark in the video at the link above, and Doug's remarks follow her immediately, and last until about the 40:00 mark.)
Back in May, it was so exciting to visit the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, after hearing so much about it and following its online offerings for years since its opening. Having studied about this period of history so much on my own, it was great to immerse myself in the exhibits to see what I already know and learn more. Furthermore, the museum gives visitors the chance to connect with this time period and see how we are part of its legacy as we uphold the freedoms that were a large part of the driving force of the American Revolution.
The day I left for the trip that would take me to Philadelphia and then on to Washington, D.C., I started reading Tim Scott's memoir, America: Redemption Story, which happened to be South Carolina's statehood day. I'm almost done, but soon after starting, I was so impressed by his thoughtful, honest reflections about the state of our country, and the hope we have that it will continue to be a redemption story: While this nation has been imperfect in realizing our founders' vision, we also have the extraordinary opportunity keep shaping it, just as so many have done. It is this work that gives us great purpose, and so much reason to celebrate our nation's heritage today and the gift of freedom that has been integrally part of it.
Huzzah for the Spirit of 1776! Huzzah for the Spirit of 1783!
God bless the USA!
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