Happy Birthday, America!

Today is a special and fun holiday for Americans.  Grilling, camping, hanging out in the yard or at the lake, fireworks, seeing friends, and celebrating.  We all love celebrating birthdays, and this one is no different.  America is like a giant family, not just of citizens but of states as well.  I got a whole new perspective on this last night as I was watching some History Channel after everyone in my house had gone to bed.

How The States Were Shaped

I saw most of a show called “How The States Were Shaped.”  As soon as I saw the title, I was intrigued.  We are so used to seeing our US map as it currently is.  Only people in their sixties or older might remember the last time we added a state.

I remember enough about the Louisiana Purchase and the Civil War from my high school days to understand the general progression of adding states.  But I had no idea about some of the phantom states that only existed for a short while like Franklin (Tennessee) and Jefferson (Colorado).

I also hadn’t recalled a lot about states being split up and having borders changed because of various disputes.  The issues around slavery and the new states being formed at the time was sad and fascinating at the same time.

It made me wonder about how these citizens identified themselves.  This new country was trying to form as a family.  New members went through some growing pains, finding themselves and learning how to find their voice among the others.  Slavery, gold and railroads shaped much of what we know in the Midwest and Great Plains.

The Family Of The United States Of America

It made me think of families gaining and losing members though the natural courses of life.  Marriages bring new people from outside the family, plus new life in many cases.  Divorces leave ragged scars in some parts of the family, death leaves some big holes that linger over time.

What about the areas where the borders changed or the states reformed their identities?  How did they reconcile those issues to retain their individuality, yet remain part of the family of the United States of America? So many disagreements and internal battles to determine the make-up and direction of the country/family.

When I was finished watching, I realized there were many points of conflict that were make-or-break for our country.  In the end, the states and country made decisions that kept everyone together.  We could have looked so different.

We’re Not Perfect But We Are A Family

In the end, we are a large family that has grown and survived by balancing individual needs with family needs.  No, we’re not perfect, but we are together.  And we are a family that celebrates together.

Happy Birthday, America.  Make it a good one.

photo credit: AnnCam

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From Psych Central's website:
PsychCentral (July 4, 2010)

From Psych Central's website:
PsychCentral (July 5, 2010)

    Last reviewed: 4 Jul 2010