[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 98 (Friday, June 28, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S7267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
THE 220TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR NATION'S BIRTHDAY
Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, in earlier days of my Senate career, I
recall that prior to the Independence Day break, Senators would comment
on that great and forthcoming historic day. Seeing no Senator who seeks
recognition at this time, I shall take advantage of the opportunity to
do a little reminiscing in contemplation of the forthcoming 220th
anniversary of our own Nation's birthday.
In a few days, this fair city will throw its annual birthday party.
Truly, the Independence Day celebration here in the Nation's Capital,
is like nowhere else in the country. It is larger, louder, and features
a fireworks display to amaze and delight even the most jaded of
watchers.
And I think we all have become jaded. We have gotten away from the
old-fashioned patriotism that marked our July 4 holidays of yesteryear.
In the national capital, Independence Day really should be a show
stopper--a sight and sound extravaganza fit for TV viewing.
While not many things are fit for TV viewing--I should not say it
that way--I should say TV viewing is not fit anymore, except on certain
occasions, but this is an event that is, indeed, fit for TV viewing.
But, in all honesty, I must admit that it is not my cup of tea. No, I
prefer to recall a simpler time and smaller celebrations back in the
hills and hollows, and the rural towns of my native West Virginia.
The high school band would don its very best regalia, shine up its
buttons and march down the dusty small streets lined with moms and
dads, children perched atop shoulders so that they could see and point
fingers as the parade went by. The baton twirlers would twirl their
batons and step high.
Young boys and girls would run along-side just to be part of the
spectacle. Meanwhile, the ice cream cones would drip, drip in the
sultry heat, seemingly keeping time with the marchers as they proudly
passed by.
Somewhere nearby, perhaps inside a church, cakes, pies, fried
chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans and hot barbecue, and a
cold Coca-Cola awaited all who felt inclined to take part in the
holiday feast.
And those were the days, Mr. President, when a Coca-Cola really
tasted--really tasted--unique, and had an unforgettable flavor. Coca-
Cola's today do not taste like they did, like a 5-cent bottle of Coca-
Cola did back in the days of my boyhood.
And in the evening, a fireworks display, lasting all of 15 minutes,
perhaps 20, and boasting at least three different colors in the night
sky would captivate all who could stand in a nearby field or climb the
lower branches of a not-too-distant tree.
There was pride and happiness on every face, then respectful silence
when the stars and stripes was hoisted high and we all thanked God that
we were free.
The stars and stripes fluttering in the breeze. There is just nothing
like it. I contemplate those ancient Fourths of July.
I am confident that in the many small towns in my home State and in
many other States, the Fourth of July celebration is still much like
those that I remember--a joyful, yet thoughtful reflection on our
blessed freedoms.
And in the midst of all the small-town hoopla, in these communities,
the traditional customs and values which have been the fabric of
American society over these 220 years are still preserved and revered.
In this vast, vast Nation which has come to be so dissimilar from one
coast to another, and with an economy so diverse that interests seem
always to be at war for some kind of advantage, nothing is needed more
than are reminders of our common bonds and traditions.
This Nation is an ongoing experiment in making one out of many--``e
pluribus unum,'' as our coins proclaim. Our intricate constitutional
system of government tries to combine diverse ethnic and racial
backgrounds, competing economic interests, and dissimilar geographic
areas into some semblance of manageable commonality, while also
attempting to guarantee individual freedoms without undermining the
rule of law. Meanwhile, our all too distracted citizens are preoccupied
with raising a family, earning a living, and coping daily with the
increasing complexity of ordinary life. At times we seem less like a
cohesive Nation and more like a collection of continually warring
tribes.
Often, especially in this city, there is so much political sniping,
so much game-playing, so much negativity and criticism that it seems as
if the focus is always on what is wrong with America or what is faulty
about our system.
So we all need to stop and contemplate and think and remember on that
day, the Fourth of July, and ponder the miracle of Philadelphia: the
republic--not the democracy--the Republic of the United States.
Anymore it is only on such special days that we cease the constant
barrage of criticism and together appreciate the sweet air of our
freedom. Would any of us really choose to live elsewhere? I think not.
On this coming Independence Day, I hope we pause and think about the
things that unite us as a people, rather than about the things that
seem to divide us. Perhaps also on that day we can spend some time with
children and grandchildren, turn off--turn off--the TV sets, turn them
off, and hopefully leave them off and actually talk with one another.
Maybe some can even find time to go stand on the sidewalk, view that
small, local parade, the kind they have in Kentucky and West Virginia,
and, just for a moment, be completely swept away by the sight of our
glorious flag as it goes by.
Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,
A flash of color beneath the sky:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!
Blue and crimson and white it shines,
Over the steel-tipped, ordered lines.
Hats off!
The colors before us fly;
But more than the flag is passing by:
Sea-fights and land-fights, grim and great,
Fought to make and to save the State;
Weary marches, sinking ships;
Cheers of victory on dying lips:
Days of plenty and years of peace;
March of a strong land's swift increase;
Equal justice, right and law,
Stately honor and reverend awe;
Sign of a nation great and strong
To ward her people from foreign wrong:
Pride and glory and honor,-all
Live in the colors to stand or fall.
Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums;
And loyal hearts are beating high:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!
Mr. President, I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
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