Turns out, the celebration wasn’t an omen of totalitarianism at all but an incredible tribute to the members of our nation’s military and an appropriate homage to our declaration to be independent from the once-tyrannical Britain.
President’s Speech Had Nothing to Do With Him
Remember that time in April when former President Barack Obama gave a speech in Germany and referenced himself 392 times? Not this president—or at least, not this July Fourth.Though Trump spoke for at least an hour, he rarely spoke about himself. Instead, he spent his time combing through our nation’s story, from 1775 to now, weaving in and out of historical references, military acknowledgments, accolades to American heroes, and encouragement. It was hardly political, and 100 percent patriotic; Trump didn’t even use America’s current status as a jumping-off point to boost his own status as president.
It wasn’t a Trump show; it was an America show.
It’s Time for History 101
I’m no historian, but as a lover of history, I enjoyed Trump’s near-constant mini historical narratives, weaving together a tapestry of tales about our country’s founding and our military that has kept us free. From the American Revolution and World War II to references to “Devil Dogs” and Navy SEALs, Trump offered stories about our country’s past many people may not have heard.We Should Praise Our Military on July 4
The whole of Trump’s speech mostly focused on honoring the military. I expected a few mentions but, instead, it made up the bulk of his speech. He went through every single branch, gave powerful anecdotes describing notable battles that that branch had participated in, and pointed out several heroes from each.Who Doesn’t Love Flyovers?
Several media outlets have complained about the cost of Trump’s flyovers—and they weren’t cheap. While I, too, would prefer a fiscally responsible government, a show of pride, unity, and, yes, strength, has its place in the optics of politics and boosting morale.There are many terrible sounds of freedom: a soldier’s cry as he takes his last breath; a widow back home gasping as she receives the news. But there are other, awe-inspiring, sounds of freedom too: the B-2 Stealth Bomber that flew overhead during that speech is one of those.
The Crowd—and Middle America—Loved It
I knew as soon as I saw the massive crowd gathered on the rainy National Mall that liberals and “Never Trumpers” wouldn’t like the way Trump was honoring America: too expensive, too corny, too simple. After all, The New York Times claims America isn’t worth celebrating like that because she’s really not that great. I disagree. No, Trump isn’t the greatest speaker in the world; he likely won’t go down in history as the greatest president America has known. But I still think America is pretty great.We are citizens of the most free, powerful, generous, and law-abiding country in the history of the world. The idea that America should be ashamed of its strength and prosperity is a lie propagated by liberal (and even conservative) detractors. Trump’s celebration was a show of liberty, patriotism, and the ideas that make her unique.