4th of July: Honoring America

Update: Independence Day Tributes Below!

Last year, I described my White House 4th of July here. Having a good old-fashioned American 4th of July on the White House lawn with "The President's Own" United States Marine Band for entertainment is the equivalent of spending Christmas eve at the North Pole. (See the Marine Band web site to download a few of those patriotic tunes.)

Photo by Mike's America

2006: "If Not for America, who...?"

The last few years have been pretty rough on Old Glory. We've had to endure endless, mostly mindless, criticism of the great goals this nation continues to stand for. And what do we stand for? A couple of weeks ago, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, speaking at the convention of Southern Baptists (video) answered that question by asking this question: "If not for America, who...?"

It seems we're always the first one called when there is trouble around the world. The first to rush in to help whether it's a natural disaster, disease or war. And yet as we continue to shoulder the heavy burden that God has placed upon this land, along with his generous blessings, we don't always get a word of thanks, either from overseas or many in our own country.

Honoring America: The Classic Canadian, Gordon Sinclair

I'm reminded of the classic broadcast by Gordon Sinclair, a Canadian broadcaster at Radio CFRB in Toronto. On June 5, 1973 he woke up to the news that the American dollar and economy was in trouble. This was the era of Vietnam and Watergate. He went to his broadcast job and sat down to compose a few words (full story here). Twenty minutes later the short two page speech was written which has now become a classic.

The original text and mp3 audio file are here. The audio of the speech and many variants with musical accompaniment have sprung up over the years. My personal favorite is here.

Here's an excerpt:

I can name to you 5,000 times when the Americans raced to the help of other people in trouble. Can you name to me even one time when someone else raced to the Americans in trouble? I don't think there was outside help even during the San Francisco earthquake.

Our neighbors have faced it alone, and I am one Canadian who is damned tired of hearing them kicked around. They'll come out of this thing with their flag high. And when they do, they're entitled to thumb their noses at the lands that are gloating over their present troubles.

On Sinclair's death in 1984, President Reagan said:

"I know I speak for all Americans in saying the radio editorial Gordon wrote in 1973 praising the accomplishments of the United States was a wonderful inspiration. It was not only critics abroad who forgot this nation's many great achievements, but even critics here at home. Gordon Sinclair reminded us to take pride in our nation's fundamental values."

And it is again this 4th of July that we may allow ourselves a brief respite from the trials, difficulties and disagreement, which beset us the remainder of the year and focus on the fundamental values that President Reagan spoke of.

We're a nation that's free, strong and sound in our dedication to help make this country, and our world, a better place. Most of us have learned the lessons of history and understand our unique role. We can be proud on this Independence Day that we were born here and have that birthright of freedom to pass along.

Happy 4th of July!
God Bless the United States of America!