America: The land of the free and the home of the brave. This past weekend we celebrated the 239th anniversary of America’s independence. On that July day in 1776, it is hard to tell if the brave men who signed the Declaration of Independence -- what would become one of the most important documents in history -- knew what a powerful history their new United States of America would have. America is still relatively young when looking at similar historical countries, yet in the short time of its existence, the nation has grown to become the most powerful country in the world and has left huge marks on history.
On the back of the chair George Washington sat in as he presided over the Constitutional Convention was an engraved image of a sun along a horizon. Famously, Benjamin Franklin said, "I have often ... in the course of the session ... looked at that sun behind the President without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now at length I have the happiness to know it is a rising and not a setting sun." On that day, over two centuries ago, Franklin could not have been more correct in predicting that the sun was only just beginning to rise on the United States. However, today -- years later -- is that sun continuing to rise?
The United States has endured much throughout the years: A war with England before the nation had even celebrated 40 years of freedom, a Civil War, rapid industrialization and a rise to national power, the effects of the worst economic downfall the modern world has ever seen, a World War that left no corner of the Earth unaffected, a Cold War in the name of the preservation of democracy, and many, many other trials and challenges. However, through all of that turmoil, the United States Constitution has continued to work and the nation has continued to be held together. Why was this able to happen?
I believe that what has made and kept America so strong throughout its 239 years of existence are the people who call this great nation their home. America has always been the land of opportunity—the place people come to when they want to make something for themselves. Throughout all of the trials that America has faced, it was the people who kept going. It was the people who chose to and continue to choose to defend this nation from enemies. It was the people who refused to see their country fall apart over its differences and it was the people who time and time again stood up for the nation and joined together when things were not easy.
In the wake of the September 11th attacks, President George W. Bush told the nation, “I can hear you, the rest of the world can hear you, and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.” These words will forever be etched into history as a statement that captures the true meaning of America. The American people do not sit back and let whatever comes get handed to them. The American people, throughout their short but great history, have stood up and chosen to determine their own destiny; never to back down.
As our country continues to face great challenges every day, we need to remind ourselves of the sun etched into the back of Washington’s armchair, and continue to make sure that the sun is still rising on America. If we as Americans continue to love and serve this country as those who came before us have, I have no doubt that that sun will continue to rise on this nation for years and years to come.
