In years gone by a Fourth of July that fell midweek would
have been bemoaned by many. As one of the few holidays still celebrated on the
actual date and not moved to a Monday to create a long weekend, occurring on a
Wednesday was the least desirable day for many to celebrate America’s birthday.
Of course, it is a birthday party after all, so this outlook could be partially
understandable.
One result from today’s more leisurely and less structured attitudes about
work ethics and values is that a Wednesday Independence Day expands into a week
of celebrations. This allows most to enjoy a prolonged holiday, including two
weekends filled with countless opportunities to partake in patriotic events,
historic traditions and celebrations of pride, honor and gratitude for all
things American.
As in all commemorations, wouldn’t it be wonderful if that which we celebrate
together could be thought provoking, meaningful and remain close to our hearts
and minds throughout the year? Instead, patriotism itself has become a method by
which those who disagree manipulate dialogue, question motives and appear to
have forgotten the meaning of what it is to be American, “One nation, under God
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Examining our own motives as we observe our independence and our manner of
celebrating is a way to evaluate how far we have strayed from what we might have
learned as children and what we are teaching our own children. A provocative yet
moving way to do this is by pondering the patriotic sing-a-longs in which we
will participate during the course of the week. Since it is a mid week holiday,
in all likelihood, most of us will attend or watch more than one as so many
occur during weekend events, and of course, on the Fourth, itself. We all know
the words to the songs; most sing them with great fervor and enthusiasm while
waving American flags high in the breeze. But when was the last time we thought
about the lyrics and what we really were singing?
The words to our best-known national songs are some of the most beautiful
language ever written. They tell the story of the struggles, tears and triumphs
of America. They tell of the unending devotion of the patriots who have died so
that we could continue to live in this land of the free. They tell of the
progression of this republic from vision and dreams to conflict and resistance
to sorrow and determination to victory and righteousness. The circumstances have
changed since the birth of the nation, but the process and the values have
not.
In many cases, the words of lesser-known verses of songs are incredibly
poignant and appropriate still today though written more than a century ago.
Samuel Smith, author of “America” wrote of the “land of the noble free,” and
implored, “Let mortal tongues awake, let all that breathe partake, let rocks
their silence break, the sound prolong.”
Could there be a more passionate call for an end to apathy and a renewal of
appreciation for the integrity of this country despite its flaws?
Katherine Lee Bates’ “America the Beautiful” describes the splendor of our
nation “from sea to shining sea,” in the first verse of her well-known song. The
sacrifice of those who died for America is tenderly told in the second verse
with the lyrics, “For heroes proved in liberating strife who more than self
their country loved and mercy more life.”
She concludes with an ethereal description of a triumphant and noble country
built upon the vision of those who love this nation, “For patriot’s dream that
sees beyond the years thine alabaster cities gleam undimmed by human tears.”
These melodious words of strength and belief are timeless and inspirational.
As America celebrates her 231st birthday, may citizens be motivated to ponder
their own words and actions about this country and those who govern it
throughout the year. Despite its imperfections, it is still the greatest nation
on earth. There are elements of evil that will stop at nothing to see it
destroyed.
While singing the patriotic medley this year, consider the depth of meaning
and passion behind the language. This nation is no stranger to adversity. It
also is very familiar with going to the aid of anyone who needs it anywhere in
the world. It is a good nation. It is a great nation. May it be always “The land
of the free and the home of the brave.”
Mary Jane Hanron is a freelance writer living in
Hingham.MA.
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