Keeping the Vision Alive After 246 Years

Last week, when I was at Mackle Park, I was amazed at the level of summer activities for the island’s young people. Inside, kids attended classes and played in the game room. Outside, two young boys played in the newly repaired spray park, under their grandmother’s watchful eye.

As I sat to think about my Straight Talk column for this week, my mind drifted back to the carefree nature of those boys playing and all the activities in the park. I thought about how that relates to actions of the Constitutional Congress 246 years ago and what we will celebrate on Monday as Independence Day or July 4th.

The Constitutional Congress actually voted on July 2, in secret, to declare independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was finally published on July 4 and the first public reading of the document was held on July 8. That was the first step in the creation of what we know today as the United States of America.

Later, we saw the creation of the Bill of Rights, written by James Madison, guaranteeing constitutional protections for individual rights. Other precursors to the Bill of Rights included English documents such as the Magna Carta, amongst others.

It is kind of mind boggling to watch boys playing freely in a nation that originated 246 years ago in the eyes of visionaries from the 13 original states. 

When one takes the time to think about it, it is simply amazing that ordinary men had a vision for a nation and system of governance that could endure all these years and through the innumerable challenges faced.

Those two boys and the freedoms and opportunities they have been afforded started as a dream for a better life by those who literally signed their own death warrants by affixing their signatures to a document that today is revered around the world.

The solemn legacy of our founders is often pushed aside by our desire to enjoy yet another holiday. Instead, we should take a moment to reflect on the wonder of their commitment to put into motion the incredible series of events that eventually led to the people and country we are today. 

As they celebrate July 4th, Americans should remember that it is also called Independence Day for a reason. It’s true meaning should not be lost during the barbecues, fireworks celebrations, concerts, and parades. We should always remember that this holiday was established to reflect on the meaning of liberty and freedom.

As an individual, I see those two young boys playing at the spray park as part of that wonderful legacy of those 56 patriots who signed their lives away so we might stand here today and bask in the warmth of independence and freedom. 

As I’ve written many times over the years, I’ve been honored to have had the privilege to write in two publications as part of a free press. I don’t take that privilege lightly, because the freedom to do so has been paid for with the blood and the lives of many generations that came before mine.

I guess that is why I will always hold dear the special nature of Memorial Day and the difference between it and what is known as Veterans Day. Both are very distinctive in nature and should be held in the highest of regard. One honors those who have fallen in battle to protect our freedoms, making the ultimate sacrifice for people they will never know. The other celebrates the character and patriotic love of country to step forward and serve. Both deserve our highest respect and admiration.

I can only hope that we continue to revisit the meaning of America for all generations yet to come and celebrate the glorious gift that was given to us 246 years ago by men of great vision and courage. My greatest hope is that we will never forget and always praise the courage those 56 patriots and their families had when they signed our Declaration of Independence and started our nation on a journey of greatness, which others aspire to.

Happy Birthday, America as we give thanks to the Almighty for guiding us over these last 246 years, as well as the strength of the wonderful men and women who have continued to guide our great country and continued to keep our Founding Fathers’ vision alive.