Guest writer Suzaane Cleary from Ipswich Unitarians has shared this reflection on the 4th July celebrations with us:

“For many Americans, this 4th of July was a sad time. Our ideals have been trounced. I was deeply troubled by the disappointing spectacle of what was meant to be celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, a nation that is no doubt flawed but yet is reaching to create an ever-more perfect union. Or at least used to be.

Instead of a commemorative speech, an authoritarian used the occasion to attempt to consolidate his power. He tried to increase fear of “the other,” and clearly outlined who America’s “enemies” are: scientists and doctors working on behalf of all of us, teachers and librarians—the most innocuous “enemies” one can imagine, the journalists fighting against great odds to inform us of the facts, researchers, immigrants—anyone who works for the common good, for an open and just society; anyone who could stand in his way.

Yet I am heartened by two things, both of which moved me to tears. The first was watching the inspirational celebration of the opening of Former President Obama’s Library in Chicago. In case we have forgotten how an American president speaks and acts, how he encourages the whole country to be a better version of itself, that was on full, joyful display at this amazing event that hit all the right notes and was attended by every living president except the current one.

The second heartening event was last week when we visited the Cambridge American Military Cemetery. As we walked through the doorway into the cemetery, we entered a quiet, well cared for sanctuary with rows upon rows of crosses and Stars of David. This visit brought into focus America’s and the world’s best ideals and actions. It was sobering and touching at the same time to be in the presence of all those who had made the ultimate sacrifice so that freedom and democracy could survive. It is sad to think of all the lives lost far too soon. What would all of these heroes and their families have contributed if only they had lived? In these days of crass, self-serving politicians, we can scarcely contemplate the bravery and commitment to our deepest ideals that was called forth during World War II. In the Visitors’ Center, it was especially tragic to see the photos and read the stories of some of those buried there. One young pilot was killed on his 25th mission. His wedding was scheduled for the next day, and his wife-to-be was there with countless others, expecting to greet him on his glorious return and celebrate the beginning of their lives together. Alas, he rests in the Military Cemetery instead.

As I walked through that garden gate, I knew I had found a way to honour the birth of the founding of the United States of America 250 years ago. I had found a way to honor my father, who served from Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge, surviving the war without a scratch. I had found a way to honor the final sacrifice made by so many for all of us. As proclaimed at the cemetery, “Each one paid the cost, each one earned our freedom.”

As I walked through that gate into the peaceful burial ground, I felt proud once again to be an American and felt a renewed commitment to fighting for American ideals. The outcome depends upon standing up for our constitutional rights and especially on one of our key founding principles: voting. I’ll do my part by voting, donating funds to endangered candidates and sending postcards to encourage others to vote. While results in early elections are encouraging, it will ultimately depend upon all Americans to stop this current travesty of a government and make the dreams and ideals of America into reality.”

By Suzanne Cleary