July 4th: A Reminder Why America's Past Matters

In this, our summer of discontent, no one knows what will transpire this Fourth of July.  Celebrations may be muted and perhaps ugly incidents will erupt in some cities.  The tragedy of our times is that history is being rewritten by those with grievances, the outraged and too often the uninformed.

Many Americans have been intimidated and silenced by the violence, the anarchy, the seemingly total rejection of the values that made this country the envy of the world.  No, this is not a nation without current or past blemishes.  But name a more perfect country?  There is no such place on Earth.

Perhaps, now more than ever, all Americans could use a July 4th history lesson.

The founding fathers faced an enemy, Great Britain, on American soil.  They were determined to break free of the English yoke even at the cost of their death.  Nevertheless, many colonists branded those courageous men "radicals" for daring to declare their independence from the crown.

In this perilous environment, delegates from the 13 colonies to the first Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.  The Congress had already voted in favor of freedom from English tyranny two days earlier on July 2 as the war with Britain raged nearby. 

The document was written chiefly by Thomas Jefferson, who was part of a five-man committee appointed by the Congress.  The other committee members included John Adams, Massachusetts; Roger Sherman, Connecticut; Benjamin Franklin; Pennsylvania; and Roger Livingston, New York.

Those history-makers and other notables who defined and defended America today are under attack for their association with past wrongs, adjudicated by today's disgruntled, angry and bitter conspirators.

Insurrectionists are already tearing down statues of ancient figures they consider offensive.  Christopher Columbus, who never set foot on U.S. soil, has been a convenient target.  But these malcontents also defaced the statue of Andrew Jackson, but were thwarted from ripping it down.

The mob is resolved to remove historical statues, especially those from the Civil War era because of the slavery issue.  But dunces in Wisconsin tragically destroyed a statue of Union Colonel Hans Christian Heg, an abolitionist who died trying to end slavery during the Civil War.

Every American has been taught slavery did exist in America.  However, it certainly did not originate here, nor did any other country engage in a brutal war that ended the practice. Men such as Colonel Heg saved the nation from being wedded to the idea of slavery.

New estimates from historians have raised the Civil War death toll to 618,222 men, making it by far the bloodiest war in American history.  Truth demands we recognize many were fighting to preserve slavery.  But they failed because President Lincoln, other leaders and the military prevailed.

Even that war cannot erase 11,000 years of human slavery.  Every continent has experienced slavery of human beings.  It appears only in this country do extremists believe that acts of vandalism will change the past. History cannot be obliterated by a few desperate, unlawful, despicable acts.

As the philosopher and novelist George Satayana once said, "Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it."  By preserving history, its lessons provide direction and vision for a different future. Based on current events, present day protesters have much to learn about history. 

That's why it is so grotesque to now hear the cries from anarchists to remove statues of Abraham Lincoln, even though he led the effort to free slaves.  These aggrieved nihilists also have vowed to target George Washington,Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin, who were all slave owners.

Measuring historical figures of any era by today's social or ethical standards will render most icons deficient in character or morals.  While acknowledging our founders' flaws, there is no denying they are responsible for fashioning a country where individuals are free to lawfully protest.

In fact, these men and their compatriots kindled the protests against British rule.  They risked everything, including their wealth, to sculpt a nation that would recognize the dignity of every individual.  That principle remains inviolate today, even if it has been overlooked at times in the past.

In the current reigning bedlam, the country needs a Fourth of July outpouring of patriotism now more than ever.  It would remind all Americans, including those who find nothing redeemable about the country, that our liberties were gained in the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence.

Americans have the right to criticize their politicians, their nation, their country's values because leaders such as Washington, Jefferson and Franklin had the fortitude to challenge the world's greatest power that had enslaved its colony.  Their sacrifices paved the way for freedom from oppression.

Fly your flag this Fourth of July.  Wear patriotic garb.  Stick an American flag pin in your lapel. Plant a patriotic sign in your yard. Post a patriotic message on social media. Let those who bellyaching about the rot they see in America not dominate the national narrative with their views. 

Do not be afraid of offending your neighbor or someone else.  Do not be deceived by those who label patriotism as ultra right wing or jingoistic.  Do not be cowed into hiding your patriotism because the news media, politicians, activists and race baiters promote American guilt.

Raise your voice against those who are fixated on expunging our history.  Silence is compliance with the lawless.  In these times, there should be no Silent Majority.  The majority needs to be heard so Americans don't regret they remained silent, like many in Germany during Hitler's rise to power.

There is much to celebrate in America.  The most obvious aspect is that we are a country that has faced many trials of conflict in our history including wars, economic depressions, racial strife and epic pandemics.  Each time America has emerged stronger, better, more united.

As an optimist I find reason to believe the country will once again surmount today's unrest to reclaim its place as the world's symbol of freedom, liberty and unity.  I for one will not be hushed as our history is shredded by the few.  Stand up for preserving history, both the admirable and the dreadful.