I heard a lovely speech at our neighborhood Fourth of July parade yesterday. It was short and to the point, about needing to remember our union as challenging but important, and speaking out when the times call for reframing the founding fathers' intentions. Everybody seemed pleased to be reminded of our aspirations and our work to be done. Then neighbor children rang the bell thirteen times for the original states, and we sang Yankee Doodle, American the Beautiful and This Land is Your Land, plus the Star Spangled Banner. There were lots of kids and dogs, and solemnity coupled with gayety, and watermelon, cotton candy and snow cones to boot.
These events may seem rote until you attend one and find yourself tearing up. We began with the Pledge of Allegiance, and we came together in pride and solidarity. Speeches matter. President Obama's eulogy for Reverend Pinkney reminds us that heartfelt is impactful. We need to say our love for our country out loud, and our children and grandchildren need to hear US. I'm not talking about nationalism but gratitude. For our abundance, our freedoms, and our aspirations as a country of refuge and justice and equal opportunity. Sure, we aren't there yet, and may never be, but we hold out the hope as a beacon, and that it what counts.
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