Each Fourth of July is celebrated with jubilation throughout this American nation with picnics, fireworks, various parades, and ceremonial observances in honor of America’s Independence from Great Britain in 1776. Congress approved the eloquent Resolution, adopted by representatives of the 13 original colonies on July 2, with the final draft adopted on July 4.
Becoming increasing more popular among African Americans however is June 19, (Juneteenth) on which date in 1862 the US Congress passed the first act prohibiting slavery in the territories after 200 years of legal slave trade and ownership. It was January 1, 1863 that the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted.
Another appropriate Declaration Day for many Americans is December 10 on which day the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of Human Rights written by the Commission on Human Rights of the UN Economic and Social Council. The Declaration was intended to serve as a common standard of achievement for all people of all nations.
Yet, with all of her faults, America is a unique nation totally unaware of her destiny and pivotal role in God’s promise of World Peace. In a statement issued in Cincinnati, Ohio on November 5, 1912, by Abdu’l-Baha, perfect exemplar and interpreter of the Baha’i Holy Writings, upon his visit to America, commented: “America is a noble nation, a standard bearer of peace throughout the world, shedding her light to all regions. Other nations are not untrammeled and free of intrigues like the United States and are unable to bring about universal peace.” Yet racism remains “the most challenging issue confronting America … which cannot continue to harbor prejudice against an racial or ethnic group without betraying herself…”
In a 1985 statement issued by the Baha’i Universal House of Justice (highest governing body of the Faith); we read that racism in America is still one of the most baneful and persistent evils and a major barrier to peace. “The inordinate disparity between rich and poor keeps the world in a state of instability. Unbridled nationalism must give way to a wider loyalty, to the love of humanity as a whole.”
This Fourth of July may we mark the occasion with our own Declaration of Independence – from whatever traditions, attitude and behavioral patterns that are detrimental to fostering self respect and respect for the differences in others, the first prerequisite for peaceful and loving cohabitation within our immediate to world family for no nation can be better than the individuals who comprise it.
Therefore may we all “Be not careless of the virtues with which we have been endowed; neither be neglectful of our high destiny”
Investigate!
