Fireworks shows -- both at home and in big public displays -- are as much a part of the Fourth of July as hot weather and patriotic (or in some cases, pseudo-patriotic) newspaper editorials. And so are tut-tuts from well-meaning types about how little actual regard is being shown for what Independence Day commemorates.
I somehow doubt that the meaning of Independence Day is in danger of being lost -- this year least of all. After the most horrific attack on America, the people of this nation are not going to forget, much less deny, what makes it greater and more wonderful than any other. There is no place on earth where freedom is enjoyed more widely and with greater latitude than right here.
Independence Day is not about our military might, although that is clearly a result of what Independence Day means; nor is it about our unparallelled prosperity, although that too is made possible by what this day is about. Our unprecedented individual liberty is what has made our prosperity possible, and that prosperity is what makes it possible for a nation where only those who wish to serve do so, to have the most formidable military capability ever seen in human history.
America is not perfect, because wherever its inspiration may come from, it remains a thing made and maintained by fallible mortal men. Yet it is the freest, richest, mightiest nation ever known.
Let us have our picnics and our pageants. Let shopkeepers festoon their stores with flags and bunting in hopes of attracting customers. Let politicians bloviate in hopes of attracting votes. Let the Enlightened tut-tut if it makes them happy.
Living in America is reason enough to be full of joy.
[WARNING: The following may be offensive to Michael Newdow, though it shouldn't be and is not meant to be.]
Most gracious and loving Father, as we celebrate today the gift You have bestowed upon this nation, and upon we whom You have seen fit to bring here, please bless us and protect us and our loved ones from those who would cause us harm because of their hatred for this nation and what it represents. Please reach into their hearts and show them why their hatred is wrong, and why we are not their enemies. Let our joy be today unblemished by fear or grief, by hurt or anger. Let all Americans share in this day in their way, with brotherhood outshining our differences. Amen.
