Independence Day 2004

Deborah Venable

I am two hundred twenty-eight years old this year. At least, that is my official age. Young compared to some and ancient by accomplishment measure, a child genius, if you will. I grew up fast and became an instant success story.

My conception was accidental, but once begun, my life was a necessity. While I was forming in the womb of creation, there were many who attempted to abort me and many more who tried to kill or enslave my earthly parents before my life could begin. My birth was long and painful, and I almost died before I took my first breath. My parents fought fiercely for my life, risking everything they had and sometimes giving their lives so that I would live. I was born and have survived by the will of God, and my birth certificate is sanctified by the courage of those who signed it and honored by those who have recognized its importance.

My blood is a mixture of every nationality from every continent on earth, and it has certainly been spilled on every continent as well in my ongoing battle for the freedom of man. I am regularly tested for courage and strength, health and motive, spirit and resolve. Some say I have failed these tests and that I am riddled with sickness of mind and body. Some say I am dying a slow and torturous death and trying to take the rest of the world with me. Some would have me administered to by the physician of world opinion, and would have me committed to an existence of servitude to a prophet of false peace. Some do not understand that I am a unique individual with a unique heritage - and that heritage will not allow me to submit to the evil of falsehood. My God has directed my existence toward the pursuit of truth and freedom for all mankind, and my existence has made freedom possible for millions of humans that would have never known it otherwise. I have a natural immunity to slavery, which fought off that disease within my own body and continues to oppose it all over the world. There is no man-made inoculation against slavery – it must naturally evolve, as mine did.

It requires blood, such as mine, and a righteous spirit to procure freedom and keep it safe. It requires the individual willingness to arm and protect self and those weaker, the resolve to defend right against wrong, and the undying spirit to heal the wounds and disease of hopelessness and greed. It demands the wisdom to defend individual rights against the falsehood of majority control or fascist rule. It also requires the intelligence to define those rights and not assign selfish desires of some over unalienable rights of individuals.

I am symbolized and unified under one flag, recognized the world over, loved and hated for the power and strength that it represents. My flag is much more than a fashion statement, whether it is marching into righteous war, covering the caskets of my fallen patriots, or proudly marking a post office and courthouse serving my people. It represents my success at uniting the very best humankind has to offer in a purpose that only a free spirit can fully appreciate. It dresses me in decency and preserves the modesty of my great courage as it ministers to the spirit of all who view it with understanding and reverence.

While I am plagued by diseases that could kill me, scarred with wounds that could have incapacitated me, and angered by an ignorance that could remove me from my life of service to the cause of freedom, I am strengthened with the nutrients of faith, patriotism and honor that continually nourish each generation of my existence. My God will never forsake me and my descendants will continue to preserve my spirit, for it is the eternal flame of hope, and there is no power on earth that can ever extinguish it. I will celebrate my birthday with humble acknowledgment of my roots, grateful thanks for my prosperity, and deep appreciation for all who wish me well.

I am a unique individual with a unique heritage.

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