At least four activities are on my "must do" list every July. I read the Declaration of Independence. I visit one of the many historic sites in the state of Utah. I watch an old, black-and-white James Cagney movie called "Yankee Doodle Dandy." And I attend a celebration in one of Utah's small communities.
First, reading the Declaration of Independence reminds me that our nation was and is a "work in progress." The brilliant men who wrote it – and the women who helped inspire them – thought of their words as the beginning of a long process. They set forth dreams, goals and ambitions. Then they challenged future generations to work tirelessly at making those dreams reality. They understood that worthy goals generate achievement and that when a nation runs out of dreams, it runs out of purpose, meaning and promise. They knew that if a nation and its people are not willing to sacrifice for principle, for reason and for sound judgment, then that nation lacks the common bonds which separate it from other nations. The Declaration of Independence is only words, but they are words to guide every generation, including our own.
Second, visiting historic Utah sites renews my understanding and appreciation of those who sacrificed so that my generation can enjoy the benefits of their hard work. It renews my own commitment to be a pioneer for future generations. It reminds me to be as concerned about the quality of life for those who follow as I am about my own well-being. The state is filled with historic sites, monuments, museums and reminders of our remarkable history. This Is the Place Monument is a good starting point, but I'm often pleasantly surprised by new discoveries in places such as Boulder, or Leeds, or Moab, or Wellsville. Sometimes the discovery is simply a plaque on a restored old house that tells a story I haven't heard before. Our heritage is filled with evidence of those who gave much for the good of others – simple acts with historic benefits.
Third, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" is plain, old, unabashed patriotism. And there's nothing wrong with that. We could use a little more of it in our entertainment and our daily activities. I like "Yankee Doodle Dandy" because it features music, dance, family, love, celebration ... all the good stuff. And when James Cagney dances down the stairs in the White House, it brings tears to my eyes. It reminds me always of a comment by a business executive who had immigrated to Utah from Europe. He said he never gets over the emotion he feels in America when he's at sporting events and the whole crowd stops to sing the national anthem, place their hands over their hearts and honor the flag ... or when he attends a civic meeting and everyone stands to recite the Pledge of Allegiance — voluntarily. It doesn't happen anywhere else in the world, he said. In America, he said, patriotism is not a proud boast; it's a show of respect.
Finally, there is the renewal that comes from participating in small-town celebrations. I enjoy the big parades and the elaborate fireworks of urban life as much as the next guy, but when I want to feel the spirit of early America and the pioneers, I prefer events in rural Utah communities. Everyone is involved. If they're not in the parade, they're standing along Main Street, cheering. Even the town's young people decorate their bicycles with crepe paper and flags to ride in the parade. And the fireworks may not be elaborate, but most of the community comes to watch — with blankets and folding chairs and real food made in real kitchens. In Utah, you can find something for every taste and every mood — pancake breakfasts, art shows, rodeos, car shows, amateur theater, picnics, fairs. ... There's baseball, wildflower hikes, concerts, moonlight bike rides, movies under the stars and Indian powwows. You can go to Lavender Days at Mona, Apple Days in Torrey, the Greek Festival in Price or the Chili Cook-off in Duck Creek. A long list of events can be found at www.utah.com/database/events. What's more, the local celebrants will be glad to see you. They'll make you feel welcome.
Inspired words, stirring memories, emotional movies and down-to-earth celebrations ... That's the best definition of July I can imagine.
G. Donald Gale is president of Words, Words, Words, Inc. He writes a column for these pages once each month. E-mail dongale@words3.com