OPINION:
Next year, the United States of America will celebrate its 250-year anniversary, based on the date the Declaration of Independence was signed. Already planning is underway for this anniversary celebration, which will allow us to focus on our country’s endurance and its commitment to our founding principles.
Even though my wife and I will celebrate 14 years of marriage this year, our story together is a little longer. We were introduced, we dated and then we were engaged for about a year-and-a-half prior to our wedding date. It was during this time, particularly the last half, that we made decisions regarding work and housing and started dreaming of one day having children and growing old together.
Similarly, the American story started before July 4, 1776. Years prior, individuals began dreaming of what their future could look like, independent from a distant body and overseen instead by self-government with a mixture of old and new principles. During these years, America’s early leaders began honing their skills — skills that would be needed as the United States was formed.
The words of the Declaration of the Independence may have made their way to paper over a period of days, but they had ruminated in Thomas Jefferson’s head for many years prior. George Washington developed as a leader after many trials and failures prior to 1776. America was only ready to heed Benjamin Franklin’s wisdom at its founding because of Franklin’s many years of imparting wisdom as “Poor Richard” prior.
As we prepare for a worthy celebration of our country’s founding next year, today let us celebrate the anniversary of what preceded America’s birthday. This year we can celebrate the dream that would become a reality. Independence Day next week can be recognition of those who prepared to give birth to this great nation.
In celebrating, let’s be reminded of the continual need to keep dreaming and preparing for what is next in our nation’s history, knowing that the commitment and skill necessary to allow America to one day celebrate its 300th anniversary will require us to be like the those dreamers some 250 years ago.
KEMPER M. BEASLEY III
Farmville, Virginia
Please read our comment policy before commenting.