Birthdays, are a time to celebrate and also to reflect on memories and to anticipate the future. As we sweltered on the eve of our nation's birthday, I thought about a Godson who arrived just before the fireworks and is now celebrating adulthood. I thought about his great-grandmother, a real firecracker, whose watermelon and blueberry infused day was often spent swimming and picnicking. I thought about the Bi-Centennial when I spent the day on The Mall before and an evening watching fireworks at Lincoln's feet. I also reflected on fireworks from a window at Hershey Medical Center where my uncle fought for life and hauling all kinds of treasures from the Stormville Flea Market.
Locally, the heat dome has impacted many picnics and outdoor activities this year. Political strife also clouds many celebrations and provides an ongoing worries. There is also a clear reminder, this year, of the caution of George Washington, Ben Franklin, and even Abe Lincoln who were concerned about, and warned us to protect, the American Experiment. Our future as a country has been and will be determined by its people. Something about his time of year and birthdays seems to be a reminder we are stronger as a complex and diverse nation, infused from the beginning by brave outsiders arriving whether or not they were /are welcomed!
Indigenous, immigrant, eager,
On boats, planes, foot, excited,
Some penniless, escaping,
Seeking freedom, new lives
Some against their will,
We all pursue
American
Dreams
Not one
Rather, many,
Same, different,
Wanting a chance to
Earn, learn, live without fear
To participate, celebrate,
The American Experiment
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