EDMOND — Celebrate the Fourth of July and remember those who came before. Patriots then and now make it possible for us to celebrate. They are with us from afar calling us to great deeds. We are all patriots.

Patriots are people who love, support and defend their country and its interests with devotion. Some sacrifice through military service, others who contribute to public service and all of us who desire the best for our nation willing to engage in open debates and share views in respect of each other and ever believing in the best course for our nation. We are all patriots regardless of persuasion.

There will be picnics and fireworks. It is a special holiday of parades, flags, hot dogs and cookouts: It’s uniquely American. It is our Independence Day. Take a moment to remember what that means for us, which is no less than it did 200 years ago. It was not just the famous but also common folks who shaped our destiny. Some were statesmen like Jefferson, soldiers like Washington, pioneers, Native Americans, immigrants, aunts, uncles, brothers and sons all now with a stake in the essence of this holiday. Many have paid the ultimate price.

Independence brought great responsibilities not diminished over centuries. Our nation stands for freedom, integrity and hope throughout the world to so many. We cannot forget that and the responsibilities it brings. It began an experiment in democracy, forged by revolution, sealed in sacrifice and rooted in ideals and values that the world has not witnessed. There is something greater than all of us at work. Ours is a legacy in Providence. Washington and the Founding Fathers knew it, Lincoln believed our destiny in the struggles of the Civil War were divine in nature. As one nation under God we have grown into the beacon of hope and freedom for all, regardless of background or belief.

I cannot believe all of our history bringing us to this point is coincidence. We have been given much and much is expected. Every time we are tested we emerge a stronger people.

Of diverse stock we are independent. Our freedom guarantees that. We have differing opinions but in times of crisis we consistently come together to support each other and set a right course. That is the true character of a great people. We remain united at the highest level as “country” despite varied political, religious and social views.

The author Shelby Foote wrote of the Civil War as an event uniting states into nation. He said, “Before the war the states were. After the war the states ‘are.’” We may forget from time to time the sacrifices endured by generations before of the highest order from revolution through great civil war, two world wars and the Depression. Though we didn’t always get it right we have borne struggles for equality, justice and freedom within our own society that tested us dearly. Each are a process and not one event has shaped us into the people we are today.

America has become the melting pot of the world. We welcome so many in search of freedom to build a new life. This Fourth remember what it means to be an American in the best sense of the word. It is not to be taken lightly. Generations before would expect no less. The Statute of Liberty is a beacon calling, “the tired, the poor and hungry…” to a better future. It reminds us of the hope and strength we represent.

We are all of varied backgrounds. There are traces of diverse ethnicity in your ancestry. My own heritage is Cherokee, Irish and English. We all are of similar blends of culture and origin that should help us see each other in the same light. Yet all as Americans without regard to our ethnic backgrounds.

This Fourth of July celebrate America. Celebrate the courage of patriots in revolution against the strongest empire in the world even while knowing it was treason. Knowing the price of failure was certain death. Yet they preserved believing so much in their future and independence they risked all.

Civil war touched every family with sacrifice. The same is true through countless wars and challenges since. Remember this Independence Day who you are, your calling and that we are being watched from afar. Patriot lives inspire us. Patriot stories give us hope. Patriot sacrifice gives us purpose. A Provident legacy calls us to a meaning greater than ourselves. We should celebrate together and can believe generations of patriots before us are celebrating too.



PHIL G. BUSEY SR., an Edmond resident, is chairman and CEO of The Busey Group of Companies.