250 Years!

The nonpartisan org commemorating 250 years.  

I was 12 when America celebrated its Bicentennial. 

 

I am significantly older on this birthday, which is so big, there are three different names for it: semiquincentennial, sestercentennial, or quarter milllenial; no wonder we are just saying America 250!

 

My bedroom back then was already red, white, and blue at the time, with blue stars on a white background and white stars on a blue background covering the four walls.

 

We'll fly the flag and try to find our way to one of fireworks displays in the area over the weekend. Verona is having their fireworks tonight, as a matter of fact.

 

For several years now, we've watched A Capitol Fourth on PBS broadcast live from Washington, D.C. Whatever we do, we'll be sure to record the national celebration.

 

Indianapolis. 7/4/2011 dwm photo

 Last weekend we watched the History Channel documentary on George Washington, which was quite good.

 

 Our second President, John Adams, had a lot to say about the country declaring its independence from Britain.

 

 He believed it should be acknowledged "with solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty." Adams also recognized the price paid, literally, "toil and blood and treasure," to get then retain independence. 

 

 Famously, Adams encouraged throwing a party, "with pomp and parade, with shews (sic), games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more." 

5/28/2018 dwm photo

 

It's a difficult time in our country with a war in the Middle East and a political climate so damaged that there are competing efforts to celebrate 250 years of our democratic republic. 

 

Thankfully, being a democratic republic is the legacy of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and others in that the power of our nation comes from the people who elect our leaders and that we aren't ruled by a monarch, but governed by laws and a constitution.

 

Happy Birthday, America! 

 

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.