Here we are again at the Fourth of July. This year, as y’all know already, is special because it is the 250th anniversary of the founding of this difficult, inspiring, deeply flawed, yet profoundly hopeful experiment we euphemistically call the United States of America. This year, I would like to remind our president that the celebration isn’t about him. It is about jazz and Title IX and the Civil Rights Act and peanut butter. It’s about the Bill of Rights and hosting the U.N., cranberry sauce and pigs in a blanket. It’s about the many thousands who serve as first responders, or teachers. And it’s always about our people’s determination to try and get this governance and living-together thing right.
The Fourth is also my little sister’s birthday. As a child I believed that the fireworks and flag-waving were to celebrate her. Her name is Laurie Olsen, and this year she turns 79 years of age. In her lifetime, she has raised two sons, raised her voice in song, marched in support of peace and human rights, earned a Ph.D., and led important organizations. She has published books and worked with hundreds of school districts across the nation to design and implement powerful pre-K- to 12th-grade English learner programs, including the SEAL of biliteracy program utilized at our own M.V. Regional High School. Her work, against tremendous odds, has improved the lives of thousands of immigrant children and lifted the spirits of their hard-working teachers. It is her ability to give them strength through her words and actions, along with her humor, her joy, her courage, her creativity, of which I am most in awe. She is a model of what it is that I cheer for when I raise my voice in celebration. An American hero.
Last week in Aquinnah we saw the spirit of the American community shine. On Wednesday, there was the monthly gathering of volunteers who cooked a great meal for seniors at Aquinnah Town Hall. Their work was enjoyed by the approximately 15 seniors who sat together to enjoy the fruits of their labors while making new friends or reminiscing about shared histories. Thursday evening saw a different gathering, this time up on the Cliffs, with folks enjoying Cliffhanger food, the music of Missis Biskis, the glorious view, and one another’s company. Paul Manning says that this will be a weekly thing again this summer, so plan on it. Then on Saturday, there was a work party behind the Aquinnah Town Offices as volunteers worked in a hot sun, spreading mulch under the new shelter by the food forest and around the playground. These comings together are the best of America, with folks working to make things right. They are worthy of celebration and gratitude.
So please remember that with all that is heart-wrenching, wearying, infuriating, demanding of change, there is also much to celebrate. I suggest that you come on out for the 25th annual Aquinnah Fourth of July Parade on Saturday. Decorate your vehicle and line up behind the town police and fire trucks, starting at 10 am. If you want to just watch and cheer for the wild and wacky entrants, the parade will make its way toward the Aquinnah Circle starting around 11 am. Following the parade, a community picnic will be held at the Vanderhoop homestead.
I want to say a happy birthday to Adrian Higgins on July 5. I also want to tell Genie O’Donnell that we missed her on Wednesday, and are sending her healing love.