Just two days ago, we came together as a country to celebrate what unites us. People joined together for picnics, baseball games, apple pie and fireworks at dark to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Many of us had our American flags flying, a poignant reminder of what brings us together and of what also originally brought our Founding Fathers together when they courageously established our United States
It’s amazing to consider all that our Founding Fathers were tasked with doing as they developed a new nation. They were tasked with unifying the 13 rebellious colonies, developing our common guiding principles, and literally starting a new nation from the ground up. No simple undertaking for any leaders.
One of our nation’s first symbols created was our American flag. Flown across our great nation each day and especially on July Fourth! We all know how each star is a representation of each unique State with the stripes representing the first 13 colonies. The colors also hold significance. The colors were, in part, determined by Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress, who is credited with stating, “White signifies purity and innocence; Red, hardiness and valor; and Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.”
Most of us remember the meaning of the American flag. It is however the great American seal that also holds so much rich meaning at this time in our country. As the Declaration of Independence was being signed by each representative, the Second Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams to be the key architects of our nation’s Coat of Arms.
Out of Many, One – Celebrating what Unites US
The three thoughtfully deliberated on our nation’s great seal. Each had their own views of what should be included. Even with the three having major differences and diverse backgrounds, they too placed those aside to create a masterpiece. It was reportedly not an easy task and did require others involvement to gain additional insights and to achieve unity. Charles Thomson is credited with finally achieving unified agreement on our Coat of Arms. He chose the Latin motto “E Pluribus Unum” meaning “out of many, one.” These diverse men came together to create as one. In so doing, they led very separate and diverse colonies to form one nation.
So how do we continue to seek our oneness as a nation? How do we celebrate what unites us – the United States — rather than divides us? Our Founding Fathers were purposeful in that as well. Our nation’s leaders purposefully had the eagle balanced between an olive branch signifying our focus on peace and the arrows signifying our ability to defend. Over time, the arrows began to represent more warring then defending, more divisiveness rather than unity. It was President Truman who is credited with having the eagle permanently facing the olive branch through an executive order, signifying the focus on peace over divisiveness.
Hitting at the Heart of America – Celebrating what Unites US
Just a few weeks prior to the July Fourth holiday In Del Ray, Virginia, our community recently experienced first-hand how divisiveness in our country can turn violent. During a practice session of the Republicans for a Congressional bipartisan game for charity, a violent event happened when Congressman Steve Scalise along with Capitol Hill police, a Congressional staffer and bystander were shot. The arrow had been chosen. Yet in typical Del Ray fashion, our community came together in a show of support later that night, an immediate response offering the olive branch rather than the choice of further divisiveness.
The following night, Congressional leaders held their bipartisan baseball game. There were representatives from both political parties and some in the audience booed the opposing political party when the players came on the field. Yet, the legislators (and many others in the audience that night) put aside their differences and came together for everything that stands for America — supporting their colleagues affected by the shooting (regardless of the party), giving back to the community, and playing a game of baseball. They chose the olive branch.
Choosing the Olive Branch Over the Arrows – Celebrating What Unites US
When President Truman reportedly mentioned his executive order modifying the eagle’s head towards the olive branch, Winston Churchill quipped that maybe “the eagle’s head should just be on a swivel.” While Churchill was well known for his wit, his comment does raise a larger question of where do we — both as a nation as well as individuals — wish to place our attention?
It’s not just the responsibility of our elected officials or our media or “others” to chose the olive branch over the arrows. It does beckon all of us to consider where in our lives we can make a choice to celebrate what unites U.S. rather than divides us.
Each of our Founding Fathers were very different people, from different backgrounds and with very different perspectives on how our country should progress. Yet, they managed to forge a bond that would change the course of our rebellious colonies into the powerful, united nation we’ve come to be.
When you look at the United States today, the diversity you see is thanks to the diverse perspectives of the Founding Fathers and their vision for a country that was founded on the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Get Involved in Giving to your Community – Celebrating What Unites US
How then do we support celebrating what unites us? The answer as simple as “baseball and homemade apple pie.” Get back to the basics of seeing the good. Taking time to listen and be respectful of others, no matter how different their viewpoints. It’s hard to hold space for a perspective completely at odds to your own views. And when you begin (even after you have done this for some time), there will be missteps. Feelings of anger or disbelief or other emotions will creep back in as the discussion continues. Yet, listen to the experience and perspectives of another. Really listen. And fight against focusing on what is at odds with your own beliefs to focus on areas where there is agreement.
Many of us are active in our communities, offering an opportunity to engage with others who are different from us. If you are not, join a local group to do some volunteering. The opportunities are endless. Here in Alexandria, Virginia, you can chose from a long list at Volunteer Alexandria. Other options include supporting your local community homeless shelter. Or, donate some time at your local food bank. You can also find and help out at local animal shelters and rescue centers. Finally, you don’t have to wait to Veteran’s Day to honor and help out military veterans. Be creative and think about ways to engage, learn, listen and seek common areas of unity — of choosing the olive branch — of supporting our local community and our nation.
What unique ways have you used to celebrate what unites us? Let us know in the comments. And, happy birthday, USA!