Dear Dad:

In our great nation of 50 states–America–we will celebrate 250 years of “freedom”, commemorating the American War of Independence many years ago in pursuit of being released from British rule. It seems being taxed heavily without having a ‘voice’ regarding its revenue rubbed early inhabitants of our beautiful country the wrong way. Many hard and gruesome battles were waged, yet strong and determined men–many of them mere teenagers–fought valiantly and in harsh conditions to gain victory for a passion woven by deep threads of unity in their hearts, minds, and souls. Much has changed in a young country established as a sovereign nation who founded herself with a Declaration of Independence penned by a committee of five men and later signed by 56. Thus, America was birthed and began further growth and establishment among great nations of the world at that time … .and much has changed.

Today, I’m imagining writing a letter to my dad whose been gone since 2012. At age 90 he lived through his own hard years, the Depression Era, World War II and the Korean Conflict. Either of those events could have claimed his life. Thankfully he escaped severe sickness and even death. Reflecting on his life–and the life of America–has me wondering the depth of conversation we’d have regarding his experiences in America compared to these mere past 13 years he’s been gone, where admittedly, indeed much has changed and in full disclosure–not everything has been in a positive direction.

As July 4 rolls around for the 250th time since the first celebration of being severed from British rule, although parades and fireworks abound from coast to coast, is it possible that hot dogs in backyard barbeques, sparklers in the waving hands of children, businesses open as usual on this grand holiday detract from the significance of this day that I believe was a miracle in the making? 56 men embraced being courageous by signing a document that resulted in them being designated as “treasonists” by the British Crown,  with most of them ending up living in poverty from having their property and estates destroyed during the conflict.

Dad, I fondly remember how you loved singing all the great patriotic songs that have been composed about America. “America the Beautiful” was one of your favorites. I remember being taught this song in grade school, too. This and songs like it were a major part of our music curriculum. Until today, I did not know it was originally a poem written in 1893 by Kathleen Lee Bates after she had taken a trip to Colorado and had climbed Pikes Peak. Imagine her awe and wonder as she gazed across such beauty. Thankfully, her verses tell us of the majesty and beauty captured by her eyes. Sadly, dad, I’m not sure these patriotic songs are being taught in music classes now. 

And how about our national anthem, dad? Written in 1812 by Francis Scott Key as a poem after his witness of a 25 hour bombardment against Fort McHenry by the British, he saw our flag still flying amidst the ashes of battle. It’s a song that has been sung with many variations at all kinds of events, remains revered by most Americans, yet within a few recent years, deeply disrespected as though honoring the legacy of America’s history outweighs freedoms July 4th ushered in for all fortunate to be alive….Sadly, dad, I’m not sure our children know all the words to our anthem.

I can still see you when your hand was placed over your heart when the anthem was part of an important event. In addition, there’s memories of learning the Pledge of Allegiance that I recited every morning in grade school. By junior high this practice disappeared. Until today, dad, I didn’t recall that the pledge we now recite originated in 1892, composed by a Baptist minister, Francis Bellamy.  Go figure, dad, a ‘man of the cloth’, who was trained and educated to serve one God and one kingdom, penned words in support of being in full support of America. The pledge had a few revisions to it, and in 1954 President Dwight Eisenhower encouraged Congress to include “under God” in the wording. Wow, dad, I was one year old when he did that. Now, at age 72, I wonder if all our school children are being taught the pledge let alone reciting it to jumpstart a new school day.

As you can see and read, I’d have a lot to talk to my dad about regarding July 4. By no means am I an adequate student of American history. Thank goodness for easy access to online research using internet resources to revisit topics and facts that have long escaped my memory from all teachers tasked with instructing me on American history, leaning heavily on emphasising tremendous dangers and sacrifices by brave men and women to give us a great nation–not perfect by any means–yet still a country that people from other parts of the world still want to come for a chance to thrive and live in a style of “freedom” that once was foreign to many and now at great cost by those who take advantage of its benefits.

But, dad, as much as you and our family enjoyed many 4th of July celebrations together, there is but one kind of “freedom” that overshadows that which was gained by over 25,000 American deaths. With One death, about 2,000 years ago, One man crucified on a cross, gave His life with shedding of blood that dripped down a beaten and tortured body, so that mankind could be “free” from sin’s penalty. He didn’t choose to enter the battle. He did so under great pain of obedience. He accomplished a promise and new covenant spoken by His Father. 

Thousands of hymns and songs have been written honoring His accomplishment. For many years churches, schools, universities, military choirs have sung these great compositions. Sadly, dad, our halls of great learning are becoming a different kind of quiet as the secular approach to instruction has pushed God out of daily instruction. Is it possible, dad, that our “one nation under God” can prevail? I wish you were here to encourage me that it can, if we were to humble ourselves before Almighty God and seek Him rather than the desires of our own selfish motives, we stand a chance of prevailing.

Dad, thank you, for teaching me about being a patriot, loving an imperfect country, but above all, surrendering my life to an ALL PERFECT God, the One Who had His eyes on brave men and women 250 years ago….the One Who watched as His Only Son carried out your plan of salvation for mankind. Even when I don’t understand what I see and hear in today’s headlines regarding America, I still have hope. Even when I don’t comprehend what I perceive as God’s silence in all of our struggles, I am grateful for my freedom…first and foremost that which comes from God…and secondly from a 250 year old concept birthed in the minds of brave men and women.

Dad, part of me longs for my childhood days when I sat on your lap, ears covered, to be shielded from the loud fireworks display we enjoyed as a family. Now, I long for the day we will be united in heaven where we will sing worship songs together, honoring Christ. Hopefully we’ll get to belt out a rendition of “America the Beautiful”, too. Somehow I don’t think God will mind…