It is in moment's like these that lugging my laptop around D.C. in the heat all day is totally worth the shoulder pain.
I just stepped out of the most historic room in America. The Rotunda, in the National Achieves Museum is by far, the most breathtaking place in these United States. In this room, are three of the most important documents stating the ideals and beliefs in which this country was founded.
The Declaration of Independence. Easily one of the most recognizable documents if not in the worlds history, at least American history. On the 4th day in July, 1776, 13 colonies announced their separation from Great Britain. The Revolutionary War was fought over these highest ideals: liberty, equality, and the right to self-determination. Today, this document is still the basis for our society. People come to America for liberty, an opportunity they wouldn't necessarily get in their native land. We don't pledge our allegiance to a king or ruler of some sort, nor do we pledge it to a territory, rather a piece of parchment, animal skin, written on by a quail pen. The actual document is sadly fading, yet the words are as iron penned as ever. The famous signature by John Hancock is one of the few still easily discernible. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where he quotes the declaration in that "All men are created equal" has really brought that document to the forefront in recent times.
The Constitution of the United States probably has gained more significance as the years have progressed. We the People. Not the President and it's citizens. Not the King and his peasants. We. The. People. That is who wrote the Constitution and that is who the Constitution protects. Just reading those words that were transcribed over 200 years ago...absolutely marvelous. People don't speak or write with the same passion and eloquence that our founding fathers once did. Slang has become such a part of everyday life and it is rather sad. The beauty of words and the power of the pen is being lost in this Era.
*Fun Constitution fact: There are only 12 states on the Constitution. Rhode Island didn't approve of it, therefore the didn't send any delegates to sign the Constitution. Remember that they only needed a 75% vote to get it ratified, meaning 9 of 13 had to sign. Also Pennsylvania is spelled Pensylania on the Constitution. Not until the 19th century did the second 'n' get added.
The Bill of Rights were added to the Constitution as the first 10 amendments, most notably freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly. I'm not as familiar with the Bill of Rights as I am with the other two documents, but it didn't take away for the "awe" value.
The ambience of the Rotunda is very hard to describe. People examining the documents were very revered. The feelings that overwhelmed me while I experienced the greatest part of D.C. are impossible to describe. It's a mixture of national pride, adoration, and stupor all combined into one. I had goosebumps the entire time, and the Rotunda completely took my breath away. Chills were felt throughout. The physical beauty of the documents may not be in pristine condition, but that's it does not diminish the indelible meaning of the documents. The legacy left, and to see how a nation has flourished in a mere 200 years after the script is one of the most beautiful things I've ever laid my eyes on.
Many of you know that early American history is a huge fascination of mine and that room was the Mecca. I hope everyone of you gets to experience the feeling that I felt today whether in the same historic sense or in another faction of life.
We may struggle in life to find what we want to do or where we want to be. But because of the brave Patriots and incredible scholars, we are able to live in a land where nothing is impossible. Make your own breaks. Be what you want to be. And don't let anyone stop you. The colonists didn't let the British. Find whatever is holding you back, and make that your Britain. And if you have to call on some friends for help (aka the French) they'll come too and help you win that fight.
May God Bless you, and God Bless America.
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