On That Note
About this time a week ago, I was standing face-to-face with our nation's founding documents. While normally, I would consider anything to do with governmental papers and history to be more on the snoring side of the bed, in a time of political strain and near division, connecting to our national roots was like a breath of fresh air.
It seems to me that the early documents, written by our Founding Fathers, carry a different weight than almost any other legislation throughout our history.
In the words of Gen Z, it hit different.
The hopes and expectations for this new country were practically emanating off each page. As I stood there reading each one, the importance of our national principles was deeply impressive. It makes me wonder if we are living up to our Founding Fathers' dreams.
While there, Hubby and I did look for the clues for the National Treasure, but it was unfortunately so faded the key words were hardly legible. We didn't get past the first step to finding the Templar Treasure. I guess we'll just have to leave that to Nick Cage.
While at the National Archive Museum where the Declaration of Independence is kept, we learned that every document sent to leaders in Washington, D.C. is kept. Displayed there was a letter from F.D.R.'s time, sent by a young boy who shared his initials. It was actually quite entertaining, as he shared some of his adventures in the third grade, including getting in trouble with his teacher for calling names.
It reminded me of a letter I once wrote to the president, nearly 20 years ago now. I don't remember quite what I wrote, other than a congratulations for being elected, but I would imagine that it couldn't have been much different, as I was around the same age as this 8-year-old F.D.R.
A few things stood out to me as I roamed through the historic archives. After reading parts of the original, hand-written Emancipation Proclamation, I could see the emotional and spiritual investment President Lincoln put into the act.
As the U.S. entered the digital age, we began having governmental infomercials. You probably remember some of them, including Bert the Turtle with the Duck-and-Cover campaign and Smokey the Bear. One I found particularly interesting was a boring older man coming out of a voter's booth, reminding viewers that their vote is their personal business, and they don't need to share it with anyone. It is perfectly acceptable to say "that's none of your business."
Hubby and I remarked that perhaps they should consider re-airing that around election season.
On that note, whether you are able to make it out to D.C. or not, sometimes it's good to reconnect with our nation's roots. Afterall, the roots are arguably the most important part of any plant.