Today, we Americans celebrate the anniversary of the beginning of our country's independence. Perhaps a few words from our Declaration of Independence is necessary to reflect on:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--"
Although there has been great progress to make us all equal since I was born, I do not believe that will happen in my lifetime. As far as liberty and the pursuit of happiness is concerned much has been curtailed since I began life.
Today is also the day after the anniversary of the end of what may have been the most important battle in American history, Gettysburg. A few words form Mr. Lincoln's speach that next November might suffice:
"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us..."
To endeavor to reach the goals that were so eloquently said in our Declaration, to achieve equality, liberty and trues happiness for all.
"The world will little note, nor long remember what..." I write today, but it must be said.
shalimar, getting off her soap box, picking it up and walking away.
Comments
Thank you!
...a good if somewhat disappointingly painful reminder that the great task of which Lincoln spoke is yet unfulfilled. One heart at a time, I suppose.
Love, Andrea Lena
"The world will little note, nor long remember what..."
Lincoln's biggest understatement. Not only did the world note, but it has been long remembered. In seventh grade I was so impressed with his speech, that I memorized just because I wanted to. And nearly everyone I know would recognize the salient points when quoted as coming from that speech.
I say that we need to continue to keep up the fight, "that the government of the people, by the people (shall) not parish from this earth."
Hugs
Patricia
Happiness is being all dressed up and HAVING some place to go.
Semper in femineo gerunt
Ich bin ein femininer Mann
Lincoln's biggest understatement.
Actually true. The day was filled with long oratorical, florid speeches by various luminaries, and nobody remembers them at all. In fact Lincoln's speech was not well-received at the time, with opinion reflecting party lines. But Lincoln was right, most of the speeches delivered that day are forgotten by the majority of Americans. It is only Lincoln's remarks, just over two minutes long, that are remembered today.
Gettysburgh Address - Wikipedia
“When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn’t become a king. The palace becomes a circus.” - Turkish Proverb