Reflections and Hope on Independence Day 2025

E pluribus unum has been regarded as our national motto since 1776. This motto has remained the same but I wonder if we have remained true to its meaning. This Latin phrase in English means, out of many, one. This certainly encapsulated the dream of the Thirteen Colonies who aspired to join together to form one nation.

Coincidence that the motto has 13 letters?

This motto appears on the Great Seal of the United States and on our currency. I just pulled out a $1 bill and verified this. If you wish confirm this yourself, then I suggest having a magnifying glass in hand!

For the purists among you, our official national motto, In God We Trust, was established in 1956 by an act of Congress.

It seems that the forces of division in our country have gained strength and momentum, particularly over the past decade. Our legislature and the populace are sharply polarized. Politics does not seem to be a forum for a respectful exchange of views and ideas. Listening and compromise are passe. It's become a zero sum game - the enemy of real progress.

I reject that current realities require us to construct a new motto, such as ex uno pluria, meaning out of one, many. Let's not change our motto; let's change ourselves. I hope and pray that we will all summon the better angels of our nature as we generously extend an open hand to one another. I have faith that goodness and decency will prevail.

Two of our revered founding fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, have set an enduring example of reconciliation. They developed a bitter feud that persisted for decades. But over time the two men reconciled. Healing is always possible.

I have included below a celebratory image followed by a prescient excerpt from a letter that John Adams penned to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776.

A 1749 etching depicting London fireworks.

”I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

John Adams

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