It’s July 4, Independence day here in America. 230 years ago this year, the leaders of the 13 original colonies declared our independence from the Kingdom of England in a Pennsylvania State house. Little did they know that 230 years into the future, the USA would be what it is today. I have some thoughts on patriotism and the USA and politics and our current state of the union, but I won’t bore you with the drivel. I will tell you a story, though.

When I was younger, I did a stint in the Peace Corp in the country of Armenia. Armenia was 6 months into independence and democracy. They were also at war with their neighbor and had closed borders with almost every other neighbor. It was an interesting time to live there. President Clinton had just been elected about three weeks before we left the USA, so we were in country when he was inaugurated. For a bunch of young (and old) idealistic Peace Corp volunteers, this was a moment to remember.

We spent a good week preparing for the inauguration, securing a space, getting a live feed on CNN, ensuring we would have power and coordinating some food. The local hotel was our destination. When the festivities started, I didn’t really know what to feel. I remember being cold (little or no heat at the time due to gas shortages) and I was fighting a nasty flu that had been going around for a month or so. Further, something had happened in the kitchen, so the food was cold and not that appetizing. Luckily, there was vodka and wine to keep our spirits up. Mind you, this is coming up to around 11pm at night - on a school night no less. We managed to get the CNN feed working and watched the procession and the formalities between elder Bush and newcomer Clinton. We saw young Chelsea and Hilary doing their thing. When everyone got to their places and the ceremonies began, I distinctly remember us all standing for the National Anthem. “Oh say can you see, by the dawn’s early light….” suddenly the power went out. There was a light gasp from the crowd of 60 or so, but it was nothing new to us. What was surprising was that the anthem went on, quietly at first, crescendoing to the end. In the pitch black of the hotel ballroom, 60+ proud Americans were singing the National Anthem - our way of showing our pride on that new day.

That was a turning point for me and America. I’d sang the anthem before, but never felt the well of emotion inside that I did that day. Today, when I hear it, I sing along proudly, with my head held high. I take off my hat if I’m wearing one. I sometimes even sing it to myself because it’s such a beautiful song. I will probably sing it tonight, when the fireworks are giving us a show.

For those of you wondering, the power came back on within a few minutes, so we didn’t have to navigate around with flashlights and candles for too long.

Happy Independence Day America!