To the editor:
I have always loved the Fourth of July. It is a quintessential American holiday that has something for everyone, from picnics to parades to sparklers to the lake or the beach or the mountains or just reading a book on the front porch given a quiet day off. I lived overseas for close to 15 years, primarily in developing countries, and took my toothpicks with American flags, paper U.S. flag bunting, sparklers and a cassette tape of patriotic music with me knowing I would invite a gang of diverse friends from all parts of the world to celebrate the day with my family. Once, while in South Africa, still under the grips of apartheid, one of our friends looked around our room festooned in red, white and blue – Kate Smith belting out "God Bless America" in the background while our children played with sparklers outdoors – and said, “You Americans are so lucky to be able to laugh together over this holiday.” Living in a police state driven by racist policies, most South Africans had no desire whatsoever to sing their national anthem – "Die Stem" – with gusto.
This year, as the Fourth loomed once again, I was filled with a growing sadness that this most frolicking of holidays – made even better that we are finally free of our heavy cold-weather apparel – was being turned into a narcissistic toy and costly display of only one aspect of America – a military parade the likes of which one only sees in autocratic countries run by dictators. Most of us get a thrill out of the formation jet flyovers at a sporting event, and we get a lump in our throat singing the National Anthem. I do! I am grateful that we had the military strength to help save a continent and certainly a free world from the tyranny of Nazism and to squelch a menacing giant in Asia.
It is what happened next, however, that is the deep goodness of America. Having displayed our military strength and power – and now the only country in the world with nuclear capability that we wanted noticed – we could have easily slid into becoming the world’s next big bully, overpowering all. Instead, we invested millions into the Marshall Plan, which included Germany in support of those nations who wanted to join a collective alliance to preserve democratic civil societies. We did the same thing in Asia. And out of both came our strongest global partners for peace and democratic principles of liberty and freedom.
The goodness of America is not in a flank of tanks on a "holiday" display never before flaunted as such in this free land – rooted in one man’s arrogance — and at the risk of monuments erected long ago in tribute to the cornerstones and symbols of our free civil society. The goodness of America is seen in parents that coach our children’s sports teams in schools. In people who give blood though the American Red Cross. In volunteers willing to show up in disaster zones to save lives. In people who make soup and sandwiches for soup kitchens. Places of worship who open their doors to welcome and support refugees seeking the same hope and opportunity as did our own ancestors. Teenagers who mow the lawns of the elderly living in their neighborhoods. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts who give countless hours of community service. People who volunteer also endless hours serving on boards and committees of community focused nonprofits. Drivers who slow down so a flock of ducklings can cross a street with their mother at the helm.
This is all the goodness of America. All stronger than the vision of a tank rumbling down the street. And far more sustainable to the vision of a "shining city on a hill."
Betty K. Tonsing
Greenfield
