When
native Americans come together to participate in the
rituals and celebrations that have been handed down for
generations, they call it dancing their ancestors. It’s
a time to remember and reconnect with the people and
struggles of the past and to lay claim to their own
place in that line. It is a time when the old stories
are told and the old ways are revisited. A time when
people can remember their deepest held values and
celebrate them.
With the 4th of July almost upon us, I
had just returned from a trip to Colonial Williamsburg,
Virginia. To the best of my knowledge I have no family
who ever lived in the city but for eight days I was
happily dancing with my ancestors. I stood in the
streets when a messenger on horseback brought the news
of the fighting at Lexington
and Concord. I had an audience with Patrick Henry
and was able to get insightful answers to some long held
questions from Thomas Jefferson. I was there at the
Capitol when the Declaration of Independence was read
aloud and discussed it’s meaning with both merchants and
slaves. When the British declared martial law, instead
of yelling “God Save The King” I yelled “God save George
Washington” and a Tory in the crowd upbraided me for it.
I joined the Colonial Army and in the confusion of an
attack failed in my duty to grab up the regimental
colors when the flag bearer was killed.
On the day in 1776 when the final vote was cast
for Independence John Adams wrote this to his wife
Abigail:
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“I
am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by
succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary
Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of
Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty.
It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with
Shews (shows), Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and
Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the
other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me
transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well
aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will
cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and
defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can
see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see
that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that
Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even
altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall
not.”
And so the Fourth of July continues to be
observed much as it was predicted by
Adams
232 years ago. I hope you had a wonderful 4th,
and while you were celebrating took a moment to look
around and see that we are part of that great line of
Liberty. As long as we remember
the stories, the people and the meaning of Independence
Day, the celebration continues and the dance with our
ancestors goes on.
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