The phrase “toward a more perfect union” comes from the Preamble of the United States Constitution, a document that embodies the ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice that we celebrate every 4th of July. This phrase captures the aspirational nature of the American project, an ongoing endeavor to create a nation that continually improves and refines itself, a work always in progress. It acknowledges that perfection may not be achievable, but the aspiration itself is worthy.
The 4th of July, or Independence Day, marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which declared the 13 American colonies as a new nation separate from the British Empire. This declaration was a bold commitment to a set of revolutionary ideas about governance, power, and human rights. It embodies the spirit of self-determination, individual liberty, and collective effort to achieve shared goals.
Celebrate! And strive toward a more perfect union!
The celebration of the 4th of July is a commemoration of these founding ideals, and a moment for reflection on how far the nation has come in its pursuit of a “more perfect union.” It’s a time for citizens to consider the progress that’s been made, the challenges that persist, and the work yet to be done.
In many ways, the ongoing struggles for social justice, equality, and inclusion are the modern embodiment of that quest. They reflect the nation’s continued effort to live up to its own high standards and to ensure the freedoms declared at its inception are accessible to all of its people.
Each 4th of July is therefore not just a celebration, but also a renewal of commitment to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, a reminder of the journey toward a more perfect union. It underscores the role every citizen plays in this journey and is an invitation to engage in the continual work of improving the nation. The fireworks, parades, and cookouts are all part of this celebration of unity, progress, and shared commitment to the democratic ideals upon which our nation was founded.
Regards,
Amy Klein
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Note: Original blog post from our friends and vendors at WisX.com: inspired by Paul Haut of W. Haut Specialty Co., and Mark Mullarky of Great Lakes Tech Services, LLC. Written by Keith Klein & the team at OnYourMark, LLC with an AI assist.