By: Ryan Bowman, HAHS President
July 4, 2024
"Declaration of Independence" by John Trumbull, circa 1817-1818.
Change.
A single word with so much meaning packed into those six letters.
I would venture to argue that any true student of history understands change. Expects change. Knows history ONLY continues with change. Although as history lovers it is the constants from the past that comfort us and the traditions of times long gone that we cherish, it will always be change that makes us recognize such treasures. It is change that brings to focus those things that are quickly fading and that we long to hold onto. As much as evil is not noticed without good, or good without evil, so is change to the history of all that we hold as pure in the past. As individuals and as a Society.
But change always comes.
We have had our own bit of change in the past few days here at the Historical Society as well as at the Bowman homestead. Dylan Bowman, the second Vice President of the HAHS Board and Chair of our Digital Records Committee, pulled up stakes and moved out on his own, southward to the historical town itself of Palmyra, PA in Lebanon County. Far closer than Halifax to his place of employment in Mount Joy, PA. Fear not all of you that have grown to love young Dylan’s intriguing stories, award winning photographs and appealing influence on the Historical Society. Through modern technology and the well-established Pennsylvania highway system, he intends to stay very involved in the workings of the HAHS.
And this Independence Day weekend, as our family hoisted boxes, and furniture, and memories up to the new apartment of this fine young man, through a comment he himself made about it, it hit me that he was embarking on the path of his own independence on this most sacred of national Holidays. And it brought to mind another kind of change.
Since when did we start wishing each other “Happy 4th of July” instead of a “Happy Independence Day?” Take a minute and think about it. That phrase is almost as meaningless as saying “Merry 25th of December.” We would never. Why? Because it simply undercuts the meaning and the remembrance meant for the establishment of the day, making it only an annual calendar event suitable for gaudy fireworks, delicious hot dogs, and the ever-abundant super deals on overpriced watermelon, mattresses and (reduced for one week only!) automobiles. Please do not misunderstand. I certainly resist comparing the birth of Christ to the birth of our nation, but changing the phraseology of the day undermines the essential and relevant meaning, as it would for that blessed Holiday as well.
Girl waving flag. Photo from Wix Library.
As I have said before from atop the soapbox provided to me by your Historical Society, I greatly fear that our history is being lost to younger generations and it is these simple, small changes that may seem insignificant doing the most damage. The soft demise of anything, including a country, is often brought about with apathy. And regret for misspent opportunities will never erase it. Much like those founding Fathers and Mothers who sacrificed so much of their own comfort and treasure to secure a better place for future generations of our country so many years ago, it is now our time to “fight back.” Not against an invading force, or an oppressive government, but against that very indifference to our country’s history. So, get out and get involved. Try to be part of the solution. Our country needs an army of history-loving citizens that are active in the communities they live in, teaching our young generations all the history America and indeed our own area has to offer. We cannot count on the schools to do it alone and Lord knows, allowing culture, including social media and television to take the reins, will prove to be an absolute disaster. This involvement by a concerned citizenry is the positive change we need now.
We here at the Halifax Area Historical Society wish you and yours the Happiest of Independence Days. And we look forward to meeting you out on the front lines as you join us in the fight to help uphold our nation’s history, make a positive change for Halifax and America, and in turn, make some history of our own.
Ryan Bowman
July 4, 2024
Comments