As the United States of America prepares to celebrate 246 years of Independence with the formation of the 1776 Declaration if Independence, I take the time to offer a reflective moment. What does the Independence Day of July 4th mean to people at present? Do views, opinions of people, and populations differ as to how one is viewed within America? I am sure that there are similarities and differences of views. As I appreciate, acknowledge the history of the sacred, hollowed grounds, territories, that were acquired by the Spanish Empire, beginning with the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus whose expeditions were sponsored by the Spanish Crown. The meeting of the indigenous people, to mention Spanish landowner Bartolome de Las Casas, famed and known as the protector of the Indians at the time.
I appreciate the view that the revolutionary war with Britain could have been prevented, and that at the time of war, not all of the Colonist’s favored the war. Similar views can be reflected upon with the 1947 partition of India, the formation of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Nevertheless, today we have a country that is formed as The United States of America, with the existence of 246 years!
From the birth of nation to the present day, there have been revolutionary moments, such as the Civil Rights movements / war, notable individuals among history, including American Presidents. To also include the politics of the day such as the overturning of Roe, the Capitol Riots, the effects of the Ukraine and Russia war and so on. Tragic events such as the Robb Elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and the recent deaths of migrants from the truck that was discovered in San-Antonio, Texas. That formulate public views, opinions, and intersect with populations that are being targeted.
It is of-course a time to become reflective of the Founding-Fathers, especially the committee of 5 that formulated the 1776 Declaration of Independence that was presented to Congress by, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman. I know that there was a unanimous vote in favor of the Declaration but I was also interested to learn more about the numerical outcome from the historical presentation to Congress.
I appreciate that America has taken steps to acknowledge the harsh histories that of-course are constantly evolving through the progressions of society. I appreciate the history and heritage of America, to connect with the uniqueness of America. A nation that could be thought of as a centre-point, a meeting of World populations gathered together. To establish the metaphor of the melting pot. And in my view, the threads stitched and woven together as the fabric of society, the flag of America!
May this reflection serve as a reminder that within political divisions, the extremity of current events, allow us to remember that the United States of America is One Nation Under God, and that all must seek to live together in peace and harmony, for the ultimate good and prosperity of a nation.
To all who celebrate the 4th of July Independence Day, that includes the many British among you, citizens, documented, undocumented, loyalists, those who owe and pledge allegiance to the United States of America, to all who have bonds in physical and spiritual forms with you, Foreign and Domestic, may we forever see the Glory of you – The United States of America.
God Bless You and God Bless America! 🌹
Further Reading / References:
- Allen, G.P. (2013). Pocahontas: Medicine Woman, Spy, Entrepreneur, Diplomat. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
- Gibson, C. (2019). EL NORTE The Epic and Forgotten History of Hispanic North America. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press.
Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on July 3rd 2022.
With Love & Kindness! 🇺🇸
{HEART'S, FOREVER!} 
