Patriotic Greetings 2022: Connecting with What the USA Is

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Patriotic Greetings 2021: The Culture of the USA

Patriotic Greetings!

Huzzah for the Spirit of '76 as we once again mark and celebrate those momentous days in 1776.

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 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.

I consider these days in July so special because they speak to who we are as they tell about how we came into existence.  This story took on whole new dimensions for me 5 years ago last month when I visited Philadelphia and my long-awaited dream of touring Independence Hall became reality, as shown in the photo below taken by a fellow tourist when I was in the assembly room there.

It was one instance of traveling as an experience by which I came to more deeply behold what the United States is.

The United States has become so much over the course of the succeeding years, and has encompassed so much over this vast land, as I've come to see through many experience.  Especially throughout the past year, I've had so many experiences that have given me new insights into the all the richness of this country, especially its culture.

One encounters a very distinct sense of US culture driving along Route 66, and last summer, I drove most of the Illinois portion, from the edge of Berwyn and Cicero all the way to the Chain of Rocks Bridge at the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis.  I've heard stories about people from Europe specifically coming to the United States to visit Route 66 locations.  Once while in Springfield, IL, I even met a couple from Britain who said they were driving the whole length of the historic route.  There's something so down-to-earth driving through small towns, where local businesses sprang up as part of the infrastructure and services for Route 66 travelers.

Later that same week, I marveled at some great natural beauty in and around the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, which is kind of like a hidden natural treasure.  It may not have the prominence of places like Yellowstone National Park, but there's so much beauty there nonetheless.

Another way I really soak in a sense of US culture is riding Amtrak.  While traveling from city to city, I see the land that is the United States while riding along, particularly on long-distance rides.  And there's a certain lifestyle connected with the geography of each region.  Crossing major rivers like the Mississippi, the Colorado, or the Potomac, often marks a passage from one state to another, and from one sense of culture to another.  From my seat, I see flat plains filled with farmlands as well as mountainous terrain, and the sky conditions add a special touch, too, like when I gaze upon an amazing sunrise or sunset.  And as I pass through small towns like Denmark, SC, and big cities like Kansas City, I can take note of how each place is unique and contributes something valuable to making the USA what it is.  Amtrak has truly helped me connect with my country, and so with great delight I marked its 50th anniversary back on May 1.

From the end of last September into October, I went to visit my friend Roy out in southern California, journeying there onboard the Amtrak Southwest Chief line, a route that hearkens back to the storied days of the Super Chief train and the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad in the height of rail travel's golden days.

On my way there, I stopped in Flagstaff to take a day trip to visit the Grand Canyon.  It's challenging for pictures or words to convey the experience of gazing out at the vastness of the canyon.  Indeed, it's something that you feel inside of you when you stand at the rim.  It's a great natural wonder of the world, and a true national treasure, and it makes sense why Theodore Roosevelt said everyone should visit it.

Sheldon the guide or someone in my tour group got this photo of me, posing at the Grand Canyon, while sporting a patriotic bolo tie--the bolo tie is the official state neckwear of Arizona.

It was indeed a great first visit to the amazing state of Arizona.

Indeed, even in the desert, there is so much beauty to stir something inside a person, which I felt traveling through New Mexico and Arizona, especially watching the sunrise in eastern Arizona by Petrified Forest National Park.  Even in the dark of night, there was something amazing about the southern California desert under a moonlit sky.

My trip to visit Roy was my first time in Southern California, and being in such a warm place had a certain laidback vibe to it.  It was a culture of warmth matching the pleasant, sunny climate.

Months later, I was on a trip to southern Florida, with just as strong of a laidback, pleasant culture as its persistently warm climate.  

Here I am posing in Florida with a slice of key lime pie, the official Florida state pie--courtesy of Mom or Dad.

I also noticed how Florida draws upon its proximity to Cuba, geographically and demographically with all those who fled from there to southern Florida.  And few things could match the soothing sounds of ocean waves, especially at night.  I was so pleased that even in an area that caters so heavily to drawing tourists, I could still appreciate natural beauty, not only at the Atlantic Ocean, but also in the Everglades.

On my way back from Florida, I had a short visit to Washington, D.C.  There's so much in that city that speaks to the heart of who we are as a nation, and our culture.  Our values are reflected in the government institutions there that strive, even if imperfectly, to raise up and empower the people to run the government, which was how this country got started, and how it functions to this day.

That sense of our foundation was the inspiration I felt each time I served as an election judge worker, most recently on November 3, 2020, and then again on April 6, 2021.  We are called upon as the American people to contribute something to our government, manifested by going to the polls on Election Day, even as it compels us to keep up our involvement in government affairs in between elections.  But what's more, serving as an election judge gives me a strong sense of the community where I live as I served residents, neighbors, and even fellow Ascension parishioners.  One of the most exciting and inspiring parts of Election Day is seeing first-time voters.

The events of 1776 live on because they became so much more.  I even think about how the events of 1818 when Illinois became a state became so much more, especially as July 1, 2021, marks 50 years since the 4th Illinois State Constitution took effect.  These events have caused so much to happen as we act upon them in the democratic process of the Republic of the United States, at the ballot box and beyond.  

We're a people of action.  We're a people who can appreciate beauty, and pleasant climates, drawing from them in a way distinctly reflected in our culture.  And in such a vast land, we can be bound together by the reality that we, in all our variety, compose a single country, in all our richness.

So from actions taken on those pivotal days in the summer of 1776, to our vast culture today, we have so much to celebrate.

May our Patroness Saint, Blessed Mary of the Immaculate Conception, intercede for this land.

And may God bless the United States of America, and may He continue to prosper it.

Paul

At the heart of the United States: Here is the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge crossing the Mississippi River just north of downtown St. Louis, MO.  On this bridge, I walked over the Mississippi River for the first time in my life during my downstate Illinois vacation last summer.

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 the versions of these notes that appear on my blog for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

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.

Patriotic Greetings 2020: Who the American People Are

Patriotic Greetings!

It's time to party like it's 1776 all over again, as we recall the events pertaining to Independence Day.

Following the conclusion of conflict between Britain and France in 1763, tensions increased between Britain and the 13 British North American colonies as the government steadily increased control over colonial affairs.  As the colonists resisted, the British government reacted more harshly, until the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, started war and then the momentum increased for colonial 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 coming weeks to consider their stance on the resolution.  Meanwhile, Congress appointed a committee to draft a declaration explaining the move for independence should it be needed.  Virginia delegate Thomas Jefferson was given the task of composing the document.

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 the draft of the declaration, they adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4.

Several years of conflict followed, with a decisive American victory at Yorktown in October 1781, followed by the official end with the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783.

A new constitutional government soon was established.  One of its provisions was for a decennial census, the first of which was in 1790.  And this year of 2020 is time for another Census.  In the midst of the year in which the US government is collecting information about those who live here, this occasion of Independence Day is a great time to consider who we are as the people of the United States.

I make it a custom to watch one of my favorite movies, 1776, around this time of year, to view its representation of the story of the independence movement in the Continental Congress.  After Richard Henry Lee presents his resolution, the Congress discusses it.  Following John Dickinson's arguments that it's better to stay with Britain, Benjamin Franklin responds, "We've spawned a new race here--rougher, simpler, more violent, more enterprising, and less refined. We're a new nationality, Mr. Dickinson--we require a new nation."

Certainly, over the course of decades being far from the Mother Country of Britain, the 13 colonies developed a distinct sense of character, and the colonists' exasperation is understandable when Britain moved to exercise increased control over the colonies after 1763.  

There was furthermore a sense that the 13 colonies had identities that were almost like different countries. Yet even as they came together to bind themselves under a stronger central government, they still retained a distinct identity, and it's interesting to see how that plays out among the 50 states today.

When we consider in our present-day sense of identity, there's so much to incorporate for who the people of the United States are, given the vast geographic and cultural diversity contained in our country.

We are a varied people who shiver through dark, extremely cold winters in Utqiagvik, Alaska, (Barrow) and sweat through intensely hot summers in the dry deserts of Arizona and humid Miami.  We are clustered in big cities and live out in wide open plains and nestled among mighty mountains.

It's interesting to think about how aspects of popular US culture resulted from the mingling of different cultures.  Music is one prominent example, with styles like jazz and bluegrass.

Traveling through major cities in the United States, a person can encounter a variety of businesses pertaining to different ethnic groups, which tend to cluster in neighbors that create a rich tapestry just within each individual city that reflects the patchwork quilt of the whole country itself.  All this variety is contained within one country.

Yet we are united by defining characteristics that arose from those pivotal days in 1776.  The United States came into existence because a group of people committed themselves to a set of principles, which is unique in the history of countries in the world.  Those principles are a significant part of our character, and our history is defined by a constant striving to more perfectly realize them.

The Continental Congress started the ball rolling in response to Britain's acts to limit the colonists.  But then, people starting realizing that there was much more work to be done so that all people could live freely.  We owe so much to those who have served in the United States Armed Forces for over two centuries to uphold our standards here in the homeland and throughout the world, especially as we mark the 75th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II in 2020.

But civilian citizens, too, have advocated for a fuller realization of our founding principles.  We've been through many struggles, especially in securing the blessings of liberty for all people.  When certain individuals get in positions of power and misuse it, there are plenty of people who don't just stand idle:  They courageously take action, speak out, and work to effect meaningful change.  Through it all, we have demonstrated ourselves to be a hardy people, resilient in the face of great challenges.

For decades after independence, abolitionists worked for the freedom of all those enslaved, up to when slavery was finally abolished owing to the Sectional War of the 1860's.  The struggle continued for the freed African-Americans to experience fully the blessings of liberty into the Civil Rights Movement and even today as this nation grapples with how to change our systems to prevent more tragic deaths like those of George Floyd.

Recently, I read Nikki Haley's memoir, With All Due Respect, in which she describes her role, as South Carolina's governor, in the aftermath of the tragic shooting in Charleston in June 2015.  In the angst of that situation, she rose to the occasion to bring people together, and spearheaded the successful effort to remove the Confederate flag from the grounds of the South Carolina state capitol. She demonstrated the same kind of resilience her family developed as they struggled to fit in society after her parents moved from India to South Carolina to embrace what the USA had to offer.  It was also incredible to see the powerful sense of grace that overflowed as the victims' families expressed forgiveness to the shooter, Dylann Roof, and how, instead of race riots erupting, people came together in solidarity.

That's an important principle as we consider that as the people of the United States, we have come together to embrace a common homeland although we have vastly different origins.  The story of the people of the United States began well before 1776, as various indigenous people groups established themselves throughout the Americas, and have maintained a strong sense of attachment to the land ever since.  They were joined by settlers from various European countries, many of whom came to embrace the resources of the land, first the colonists who settled on the Eastern seaboard, and then the pioneers who advanced westward beyond the Appalachians, like described in David McCullough's book The Pioneers, and then beyond the Mississippi River, leaving the comforts of home to forge a new life in unfamiliar circumstances.  The story of the USA is defined by the continuous immigration throughout two centuries of people from all over the world.

I realize my former co-worker Nincy, originally from India, is celebrating Independence Day this year for the first time since being naturalized as a US citizen last October.  When we worked together, I was aware that she was in the naturalization process, and so it was pretty exciting to receive the news back in October and see the photo she sent me posing with her naturalization certificate.  I immediately replied with words of congratulations and patriotic, celebratory images. 

As a natural-born citizen, I have great admiration for people who strive through the steps of the long process of naturalization that is a hallmark of the people of the United States.  I've read accounts of people attending naturalization ceremonies, and they are marked by great emotion and much-deserved celebration.  It's pretty profound to consider how all these immigrants and naturalized citizens bring something to this country to enrich the tapestry, even as this country leaves a profound mark on them.

Indeed, all of us have the chance to make an impact on this country, as we come from varied backgrounds to grow in a common sense of character that has been present all throughout our history.

I think back to last summer when I attended a wreath-laying ceremony for President Ford on his birthday at his Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, and how often in their remarks, the various speakers talked about his sense of character in a difficult time in government when he became president.  I also learned a lot about Herbert Hoover's sense of character, which was instilled in him starting in his childhood in West Branch, IA.  He went on from living in a two-room cottage to earning great wealth from a lucractive mining career, and then used his resources to help millions of starving people throughout the world.  It was amazing to stand in the very house on Downey Avenue where he was born on his birthday and consider how he went on to make an impact.

And we can see the role of character going all the way back to the founders' generation.  In the midst of the challenging and abnormal circumstances of the current pandemic, I recalled an episode of Liberty's Kids, one of my favorite TV shows, which aired when I was in 6th grade.  At the end of the episode "Bostonians", we hear Abigail Adams, voiced by Annette Bening, quote from a letter that she wrote to her 12 1/2-year-old son John Quincy.  (By the way, you can find all episodes of that show on YouTube for free.)

The letter has some heady content, and it's clear Abigail had high standards for John Quincy.  In it, she wrote: "Great necessities call out great virtues. When a mind is raised, and animated by scenes that engage the heart, then those qualities, which would otherwise lay dormant, wake into Life, and form the character of the hero and the Statesmen."  I shared that excerpt with my 8th grade Religious Education students at a prayer gathering we held for them to affirm and celebrate them at the conclusion of their time in the RE program.

No matter our age, those profound words speak to all of us.  In whatever challenges we have faced over the years, whether it be pandemic, war, or the struggle for the greater realization of the vision of freedom laid out by the Founders, we have had the opportunity to grow in those virtues that build strong character, which enables us to make our country, and our world, a better place.

In all our variety of origins, places of residence, and cultural aspects, character binds us in a common identity as people of the United States, which drives us to strive in doing good for one another in our country and throughout the world.  In times of crisis, goodness arises as people take action to help each other, drawing upon our strength of character to overcome trouble. 

So upon the occasion of Independence Day, let's celebrate who we are as a people, and continue striving each day to live the character that defines us. 

God Bless the United States of America,

Paul

Above, Mom photographed me in the National Portrait Gallery/Smithsonian Museum of American Art in Washington, D.C., during our visit there on May 19, 2019, during our trip to the city.  I'm standing by the wall where the original engrossed copy of the Declaration of Independence was on display when this building was the US Patent Office.  That document became an integral part of our character as people of the USA.

Below is a decorative gazebo near the south end of the Galena Avenue Bridge over the Rock River in Dixon, IL, along the historic transcontinental Lincoln Highway corridor.

The people of the USA have striven greatly over the years, covering great geographical and cultural expanses, while remaining bound by a common character.

 

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 the versions of these notes that appear on my blog for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

If you'd like a print copy, please feel free to contact me.  A contact form is available on the sidebar of this blog page.