Independence Day - what's next?

ATLANTA - While attending a 4th of July barbecue, I found myself staring at the flag in the video above, flying in the breeze, in much the same way I still gaze at brightly decorated Christmas trees. I disappeared in thought and wonderment as I pondered where our country has been, where it is now, and what her future will bring. But like other holidays and days when we observe special historical moments, I find myself asking, "why don't we celebrate this every day!?"  (For the purpose of this piece, your birthday doesn't count!)

Surely, the men who signed our Declaration of Independence, while mutually pledging to each other their "Lives, Fortunes and Sacred Honor in service to our country," must have also awakened the following morning and asked, "what now?" 

Signing that document, as beautiful and bold as it is, turned out to be the easy part. The hard work, the "eternal vigilance" required to sustain freedom, is ongoing.

Many Americans of my generation remember being taught American history and the Pledge of Allegiance. The miracle of our nation's birth is a story that has been an inspiration to millions around the world and should be common and detailed knowledge for all who pass through our school systems. 

It really was a miracle. No more than a third of our Revolutionary War population actually did the work of fighting and promoting the cause. Most of them were simple farmers who dropped what they were doing in order to help do the impossible --defeat the greatest army in the world!

In recent years, I've heard (loud and clear!) a lot about how bad America is. However, it really is about time we started spending a little time talking about how great she really is. After all, isn't it amazing, that despite all of the dissent we're hearing, no one is racing to leave!?

Yes, there have been dark moments in our history, but dare I say, no other nation has done more to correct its faults faster while spreading freedom and prosperity around the world. I wonder how much of that is being taught now. I am often startled by how little today's children know about our story. I believe that the new American heroes are those who will dedicate themselves to making sure our children learn about the founding of this great nation. Whether it be George Washington or Martin Luther King, Jr., we should endeavor to honor their brilliance and sacrifices in shaping the nation for us, by how we build ourselves up - not tear ourselves down.

This is an appeal to America's children and the people who raise and teach them. Our best days are still ahead of us if we all do our part. Patriotism should unite all of us.

So, with apologies to the late artist-formerly-known-as-Prince.. "Let's party like it's 17-76!"