I spent the 248th anniversary of our country’s declaration of independence in 1776 in Washington, DC. Because we were married in the bicentennial year of 1976, I add 200 years to our anniversary as a reminder of the creation of democracy in the United States. In the scope of time and human existence, our form of government is very young.
We were invited to watch the July 4th fireworks from an 11th floor rooftop on Pennsylvania Avenue. Heavy rains in the afternoon and evening ended before dark. The nighttime air was warm and humid as we climbed the stairs and took our viewing positions.
Rapid bursts of cascading fireworks left thick clouds of lingering smoke which partially obscured our view, but overall it was a fine holiday display. Being in Washington, DC in July makes me feel patriotic and thoughtful about our democratic history.
American liberties were hard fought and hard won more than 200 years ago. Our Federalist form of government was founded on commonly held ideas; the rule of law, separation of powers, checks and balances, respect for human rights, free and fair elections, and peaceful transitions of power. These principles are unique to our democracy. They are meant to hold us together as a nation.
Democratic values are born and reborn in stormy arguments and turbulent debate. They are fragile to sustain. Every day we see and read about conflict and political discord fueled by a continuous barrage of media that is difficult to tune out. Facts are often shrouded in misinformation.
Democracy works but it is “We, the People” who work it. In return for living in freedom we give back our thoughtful intelligence, critical thinking, and vital participation in the form of voting.
The flash, noise, and smoke on Independence Day were a visual reminder that we are living in a period of political heat and turmoil. There is daily drama amid verbal fireworks. Clouds of doubt form when truth is disregarded or cast aside. In a few months, after a presidential election, it will be seen whether smoke obscures our democracy or begins to dissipate.
Right now, it feels like being in the midst of dark skies and cascading fire power which briefly lit the Washington Memorial and the National Mall with explosive booms, riotous colors, and lingering smoke on July 4, 2024.
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It was FDR who said, “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.” Maybe the bang and pow of fireworks should be the sound of engagement by students in our schools.
Keep writing Wendy and thank you for taking on the topic of participatory democracy. We each must contribute.
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This is one anonymous commenter I can identify. I love it when you jump in. And keep me in forward writing motion.
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Oh my! I had no idea that you and Mark were also married on July 4th! Jeff and I were married on July 4, 1988, and 21 days later began our international teaching life in New Delhii at the American Embassy School. Lucky for us, the first person we met in the steamy, third world airport in the wee hours of the morning, was a smiling David Chojnacki, draping us in marigold garlands as he took us to our sparse apartment on campus. Our five years in Taipei were such special years for our growing family. We arrived in 1992 with our toddler, Erik. Brad joined us in 1994. (When we arrived, the maternity leave was 2 weeks with no paternity leave! After challenging this “squat in the field and get back to work” policy) During our five years in Taiwan we were blessed to grow professionally and personally. (Some of our best friends are people we met at TAS) I had some tough times during my time teaching grade five there, and am so thankful for the support I got from both Mark and Gavin. More than once, I recall sitting at my desk during a much needed prep time to see Mark open my door…”What now, Mark?…thinking of one particulary challening parent who almost got me to quit teaching….”
30 years and 4 countries later we retired to our home in the small mountain town of Arnold, in Calaveras County, California. The world has indeed changed since Taipei, as have our families. Erik is now married, living in Sacramento and teaching LSAT Prep courses online, doing website design and podcasts for the LSAT Prep comapany as he ponders Law School. Brad also lives in Sacramento and works remotely doing website design and video editing for a high end real estate company. It sounds like you and Mark are also loving life to the fullest.
I enjoy your newsletters. Please give Mark a hug and hello. Stay healthy and happy!
Fondly, Karen
PS…Although my jewelry wearing opportunities in our small town are limited, I still enjoy my special “Wendy Pieces” from long ago…
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Karen,
What a pleasure to see your name and read your family update after so many years! I didn’t even know you read my blog. It’s interesting how the internet connects us, and eventually catches us up with people. The only correction I will make is that we were married in the year 1976, but not exactly on July 4. Still, the coincidence brought you to commenting on this story and for that I am grateful. Best to both of you.
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This is wonderfully written and your observations are right on! Yes, we often forget why we celebrate the 4th of July and need to remember that we must continue to work for that “perfect union.” Your photos are terrific and the finale was beautiful. It was pretty good here, too.
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1776 is indeed a good year to NEVER forget! Of course the beginning of Statehood for Colorado, 1876, and the birthyear of our son Jason are additional reasons for J’Ann I to remember the 76es. Stay safe,
Howell F. Wright, EdD; Col., USMC (Ret.)
“Keep the Wind to Your Back and a Smile on Your Face.”
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Wow Wen… beautiful pictures and thoughtful commentary! Bravo!
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