America Needs More Patriots
Americans love Independence Day. It is full of family and fun and gives everyone a chance to show our national pride. For me, it matches Thanksgiving as a national holiday that celebrates the courage America’s founders demonstrated in 1776 and the pride we have in our nation today.
This year, the 4th of July celebrations might be a little smaller, it is a natural response to the burdens that weigh on us - our military is still engaged in a war, our neighbors may be losing their homes to foreclosure, we are being shocked by skyrocketing increases in energy and transportation costs, we are making choices at the grocery store that we heard our parents and grandparents talk about from years ago. It hardly seems like a time to celebrate.
But, think about the founders of our nation. Think about the challenges they faced when deciding to fight for their independence. They were willing to risk everything in order to live as Americans. There was no road map for where they would take the nation they envisioned. The democratic republic had not been tested, but they were confident that they could create a nation that protected our individual rights, while securing our safety. Our founders were confident that we could worship where we like and say what we like and still create a national identity and spirit. Our founders were confident that they could create a framework that encouraged independence while envisioning a collective commitment to protect ourselves and our neighbors from harm or harassment. Our founders believed that out of many, we are one – E Pluribus Unum!
Our founders were remarkable people, but they were not the last of a breed. Their spirit, ingenuity and commitment to a strong America is fused into the DNA of every American – whether 1st generation or part of the Mayflower ancestry.
America’s founders would expect that we face our challenges head on! They would want us to stick together and create a vision for our future. Our founders have given us the tools, we must be willing to take action.
In 4 months, Americans go to the polls to select a new President and Congress. I want you to show your American pride by choosing to make your vote count! Listen, learn and volunteer. Choose, like our founders, to take the country in a new direction. Let’s take the country in a new direction – by working for education, jobs and healthcare, for environmental protection and sustainable energy policies and for a strong, yet peaceful, nation that can protect our interests through diplomacy first.
The 4th of July is a wonderful holiday. We should celebrate, but take a moment to think of those who need us to play our part in the next chapter. Be a patriot for the 21st century – America needs more patriots!
