Ebony's Pearls

A nation isn't born in a day. It takes years of people's thoughts,intentions,and needs aligning. There may be a triggering event or a charismatic speaker to mobilize the amorphous longing that starts the process. Threads entwine until a new pattern emerges. From this, actions focus on fulfilling the new pattern - and other actions focus on keeping the old pattern repeating itself. There is never a clear moment when then new pattern breaks away from the old,no sharp dividing line.

But people can't sustain a year round,year long,year in and out celebration and acknowledgment of the birth of a nation, so one day is chosen to be the day that commemorates the nation's existence.

July 4th became that day for America, quietly, without fanfare, first in private homes,then in town squares all across the new country until the date was formally recognized and set aside specifically to honor America's birth.

In the early days, the date was celebrated by reading (or reciting) the Declaration of Independence, followed by perhaps a few precious gunshots (the first celebrations were held during the war, gunpowder was in short supply),and then food to celebrate how committed and happy we were to be in this land. As the war ended and gunpowder was more plentiful, we added fireworks instead of gunshots.

And somewhere along the way, most people stopped reading the Declaration of Independence.

Now,it's barbecues, picnics, parades, and fireworks.

But not all people have forgotten how America came to be, and why. They still read the Declaration aloud so they remember what our ancestors sacrificed so we could live here in a new country founded on the concept of freedom, of autonomy, of responsibility, of self-governance, and of respect for one another. They remember what America was and is and, yes, should be. They are the ones who strive to keep our beloved American pattern repeating. July 4th is the date they gather to offer inspiration via the Declaration, and support to one another as they each work throughout the year in their chosen causes to keep America great and free.

And then they party with barbecues, picnics, parades, and fireworks. County first, party second.

America was worth fighting for to create, and she's worth fighting for to keep.

It's a small thing, reading the Declaration, but that freshness, that annual renewal, gives us the strength, courage,and conviction to carry on until next year.

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