A Call for Unity

Pondering our nation’s 249^th birthday, I was reminded of the leaders who overcame tremendous adversity to birth our republic and establish the American dream. My wife and I have visited many key historic sites where our nation’s foundations were forged in the crucibles of war; first against an overseas tyrant and then brother against brother as we sought to uphold the truth that liberty and freedom belong to all.

I have walked Boston’s Freedom Trail, seen the bell tower of Paul Revere’s ride and toured Philadelphia’s Independence Hall where the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. I have gazed in wonder at the emphatic signatures placed on the actual document and stood in contemplation at Valley Forge, the site of that interminable winter of 1777-1778 through whose dark days our Continental Army struggled for survival while preparing for the final battle that would secure our independence. 

I have viewed the Liberty Bell and marveled at the tiny hand stitches of the Great Garrisson Flag. I have toured the battlements at Fort McMurry where that very flag inspired Francis Scott Key, while held captive on a British ship in Baltimore’s harbor, to write, “O say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?”

I have stood on the battlefield at Gettysburg, read President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, visited General Lee’s mansion and stood in silence on Arlington National Cemetery’s hallowed grounds to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. 

Reviewing the historic places we have visited, I realized a strange fact: not only have we stood on the sites of so many of our Nation’s pivotal moments, we’ve also visited the actual rooms where our nation’s most significant forefathers – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln – died. Realizing the impact these men had in shaping our nation, I’ve concluded that we are responsible for carrying their torch forward.

We are at a pivotal moment – a time of tremendous division. We cannot lose sight of the dreams and passions of those who’ve gone before and who, even with their faults, gave birth to one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all. Let’s celebrate this 4^th of July and strive to mend the rifts that threaten to undermine the foundations of this land we love.

Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor.