July is the time of year when a lot of people do a lot of flag-waving, and I’m one of them. But there’s more to America than Old Glory. Much more. I just turned 64 – I know, I don’t look a day over 63 – and I’ve seen a lot of this country. I’ve lived on the East Coast, the West Coast, Alaska, Florida, Minnesota, Ohio and even on the island of Guam. I’ve almost died three different times – once when an Air Force bomber crashed into my family’s house.
I’ve been to 49 states. Don’t worry, North Dakota, I’ll make it there some day.
I’ve stood on a Florida motel balcony at 1 a.m. and watched a space shuttle ride a column of flame into space and light the sky brighter than daylight. I’ve stood by myself on a country road in Minnesota and been surrounded by thousands of Monarch butterflies perched on the limbs of cottonwood trees, all moving their wings in unison, as though they were breathing together.
I’ve been chased by a bear in Alaska and attacked by a meth addict in Oregon.
Through it all I’ve concluded that nothing, and no one, will ever diminish the love I have for this great nation.
But that love is based not so much on geography as it is on the people who call themselves Americans. They might have arrived on the Mayflower – a Sampson was on board, probably the ship’s janitor. Or they might have arrived yesterday. They might have arrived at Ellis Island in New York, or crossed the border from Mexico into Texas looking for work.
They are all Americans.
Time and time again, they’ve been asked to send their sons and daughters into harm’s way. Time and again, they have been reminded to “ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
Time and again, they’ve come through the darkest hours of wars, economic meltdowns, natural disasters, personal tragedies.
And they have prevailed.
Americans – all Americans – have a strength of character that has seen them through the lowest lows.
Americans know that the nation will thrive not because of an innate greatness but because of a strength of character and optimism that will make tomorrow better than today.
That strength is not confined to the rich, or to the white, black or hispanic. It is shared by all Americans who believe in our collective good.
If you doubt me, look around, and listen. Americans speak with their hearts. Yes, some are ornery, and some are snarky, but all speak what they believe, not what they are told.
I like the Fourth of July, a lot. The hometown parades, the picnics and barbecues, and the fireworks. I like the fact that we remember where the United States of America came from, and that our nation, since 1776, remains a vibrant, quirky, loud and, above all else, a totally unique nation devoted to the many things we all love – life and liberty among them.
So have a happy Fourth of July.
As you stand watching a fireworks display or parade, take a minute to turn to your fellow Americans and congratulate them on a job well done.
Carl Sampson is a freelance writer and editor.
