This Is My New Jersey

We are just days away from the United States Semiquincentennial. A time when as one voice, we declared our independence from the tyranny of England.

“We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

~Conclusion of the Declaration of Independence, Second Continental Congress, July 4, 1776

There were five original signers from New Jersey; Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, and Abraham Clark. But this was not an easy path. There were arguments and disagreements. There were attempts at negotiations and diplomacy. In the end, however, the Colonists felt they were left with no option.

Since then, we have had our share of challenges and triumphs, but we always came together at important times in our history. In more recent history, we’ve seen highs the Moon landing, and the lows of Pearl Harbor. As a Gen-Xer, I was not born at the time of these two events, but our generation experienced highs and lows as well. This year is the celebration of our 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation and the 25th anniversary of one of the lowest parts of our history, 9/11. Both are part of our DNA.

I really don’t remember the Bicentennial in 1976, but from what I have read, it was a huge celebration. There were events that took place for over one year. Now? Not so much.

Our nation is divided. Everyone has a different opinion as to why. As I often say, I take great pains to avoid politics, and I will do so now as well. This week The Great American State Fair is taking place in Washington DC, yet several states decided not to participate. Many of those who chose not to participate were part of the original Colonies. Cape May County pulled together a display that includes a massive sandcastle. I appreciate the effort put together by the Cape May County team to make sure we were represented.

So, here we are. A country divided. A recent poll showed that not only are people not interested in celebrating the Semiquincentennial, they are actually ashamed to be American.

I’ve seen plenty of videos recently where a number of people are asked if they are proud to be American and they have all different, some vulgar, ways to say “no.” Yet, when those same people are asked where they would move, none of them could come up with an answer.

I remember as a kid seeing “America: love it or leave it” bumper stickers. Instead of following that recommendation, I urge everyone to go on a rediscovery, of sorts. This year, I have often thought of my fourth grade introduction to my beloved state. History lessons as a Gen-Xer were all around us. On television, we watched Yankee Doodle Bugs and School House Rock. My diorama of The Battle of Monmouth, as a fourth grade project featured Molly Pitcher. One of my first “outside” dates with my now husband was to Jockey Hollow. While most associate Massachusetts with the Revolutionary War, New Jersey saw more battles and skirmishes than any other state. To counter British raids, foraging expeditions, and the disruption of local supplies, the New Jersey Provincial Congress authorized the formation of “minutemen” in the fall of 1775. Morris County alone has dozens of Revolutionary War landmarks.

There are events that celebrate America’s 250 all over the state. There are a multitude of websites that list every kind of American celebration, from reenactments, to concerns, and of course, fireworks.

I encourage everyone to look at our nation as we once did as children. Wide-eyed and curious. Visit around our state like a tourist. Visit areas you never visited. Check out a local hangout. You never know what you mind find.

Happy birthday America… and New Jersey!