THE WILDISH WINDOW |VOL. LII No. 3| Fall 2025
From the Top
I’m writing this article a few days before we celebrate Independence Day, commemorating the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and establishing the United States of America. Growing up, Independence Day was always a special day for our whole family. Activities usually included a barbeque picnic with family and friends, fireworks in the driveway and watching a community fireworks display. The Fourth of July national holiday was truly a celebration, with flags flying every where.
In 1776, America gained its freedom over King George III, the monarch of Britain. Today, we continue to enjoy freedoms that much of the world can only aspire to. All too often, we do not appreciate the freedoms and opportunities that we have. The sacrifices and courage of America’s patriots protect the freedom and liberties of Americans every day. Thanks to the service men and women currently serving.
July 4th, 2025 feels different than the celebrations of my youth. While America has endured through its share of strife during its almost 250-year history, today we are a country in turmoil. This year, we hear of planned protests, denouncing our country. My impression is, we’ve become short-sighted and entitled.
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “American Dream” speech given on July 4, 1965, was a speech of hope. He did not denounce America. Instead, he challenged America to realize the American dream, “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
In his July 4th, 1986, speech, President Ronald Reagan said, “And so tonight we reaffirm that Jew and gentile, we are one nation under God; that black and white, we are one nation indivisible; that Republican and Democrat, we are all Americans. Tonight, with heart and hand, through whatever trial and travail, we pledge ourselves to each other and to the cause of human freedom, the cause that has given light to this land, and hope to the world.”
As Americans, only when we “pledge ourselves to each other” can we hope to achieve Dr. King’s American Dream. I can’t think of a more worthy pursuit.
–Steve Wildish
