In a few days, it will be July 4, 2026, and the United States of America will observe a very special anniversary of its independence. On July 3, 1776, John Adams, the second President of this country, said we should celebrate American Independence with fireworks. He wrote that succeeding generations should all commemorate the day with pomp and parade with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations. I would guess that every President and most every other true-blue, red-blooded citizen of this country for the last 250 years has felt the same way.
Two and a half centuries; that’s a long time and a lot of history. Some good, some not so good, but it is, what it is, and just because it’s not all fairy tales and unicorns, it is still our history and our story. From the very beginning, this nation has struggled to do what was right. It changed the world and did a great deal to make things better in many other countries around the globe. Have we always been perfect? Of course not. Do you know any family that has? I don’t, but I believe we have lasted for 250 years because of pure old down to earth, good-hearted effort. The world might look at us and laugh. That’s all right. We laugh at ourselves. They might turn their noses up and turn their backs on us, but when the clouds get dark and those four horsemen start riding across the sky, who does a fearful world turn to? There is no rock as solid as our country and no strength like that of the creator who endowed this land we call home.
In Swainsboro in 1976, we dutifully and gleefully celebrated 200 years of independence. We had just seen the resignation of a dishonored President. We were dealing with the loss of more than 50,000 soldiers in the Vietnam conflict. Inflation, gas prices, divorce and murder rates throughout the nation were all on the increase. Yet, in spite of all the uncertainty, the morale of the American people was boosted by the observance of the Bicentennial of our country. Patriotism and optimism never skipped a beat, and I never heard one person say that he/she was not proud of their country. One gentleman in Swainsboro even ordered a brand-new Buick with a blue paint job, a white top and red interior. I can testify to that because I sold it to him, and he was mighty proud of it. I can’t help but wonder where that same enthusiasm and pride is today. When you stop and think of all this country has been through and the blood, sweat and tears that are represented in the colors of our flag, I hope we all agree what a disgrace it would be if we allow political divisiveness to overshadow the exceptionalism and greatness of our nation. Long after the squabbles, pettiness and outright viciousness of democrats, republicans and socialists have lost all relevance or reason, this land will still be here, and the dream of the founding fathers will still have life. Like the song says, this land is your land, this land is my land, this land was made for you and me. That is what we should celebrate on this special birthday, not the political ravings and absurdities we so wearily endure.
After 250 years of building something that has not existed anywhere else, let us all join in the common bond of approval, appreciation and pride without the partisan identity but simply as citizens of a place that is uncommon in its message, its mission and the unshakable devotion to its continuity. Political interests may rise and fall, but this country will stand if it is the true will of the people. On this Independence Day, and every day that follows, let us all remember to fervently thank our creator that by his grace “we the people” live in this land. Have a happy, safe and proud Fourth of July!
