Independence Day in Palmer, Alaska
Contributed by Marilyn Bennett
What a wonderful day it was! The celebration opened with a flag ceremony and a cannon shot. The community came together to celebrate the rededication of our country’s Declaration of Independence. More than 400 people gathered on the lawn across from St. John Lutheran Church to join their friends and neighbors in celebrating 250 years of independence.
The children enjoyed playing a war game based on the Battle of White Plains, New York. They also had flags and eagles painted on their faces. Events like these are part of the many memories that bring a community together. We are grateful for all the businesses and organizations that helped us put this event together. Planning began in mid-March with the goal of providing a milestone event that appropriately recognized the 250th year of independence. The focus was on genuine American history and the many sacrifices made during the War of Independence. It was significant that the idea of freedom was so deeply seated in the minds of Americans that the British did not seem to understand how far they were willing to go to fight for it.
The people of Palmer, like most Alaskans, came here to enjoy the freedom this last frontier offered. We came from all over the country to settle in Alaska. In our midst during this event were the “Daughters of the Revolution” in lovely period outfits, as well as the “Sons of the Revolution” in beards and whatever.
The people of our community have roots in literally every state in the union. That is what is wonderful about America. No matter our political differences, we all realize the words of Benjamin Franklin—“We must all hang together, or … we shall all hang separately”—are as true today as they were 250 years ago. There are many ways politicians, the media, and others try to separate us. We must hold strong in the belief that, no matter what we feel about people who think differently from us, it is important to recognize that in America we are allowed to be individuals. We have freedom of speech and thought, we can worship as we want, and despite our differences, we can still join our neighbors in protecting the rights of those who disagree with us.
That is why we thought it was important to read the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights as a reminder of what our founders gave us. The founders rejected the caste system that was prevalent around the world. They rejected the idea of a king being above or better than a merchant. We are a proud nation and state and have good reason to be so. When I researched Abigail Adams, I saw how important the women of that time were in keeping the home fires burning while their men were away fighting for liberty. Two hundred and fifty years later, women are free to own property and vote, as are the many people who were brought to this country as slaves or indentured servants. We are all now equal before the law. This is still not true in many parts of the world. The world knows this, and that is why so many people want to come to America.
This July 4 renewed my love and pride in America, especially after celebrating with my wonderful neighbors and friends in Palmer. I hope to see all of you at the 251st celebration, which will hopefully happen again here in Palmer, Alaska.
