Special to the HT
MEEKER | “You’re really getting up there” is one comment often said at birthday parties for close friends and family after they pass the age of 21. It does not matter whether they were teased in person, or on the phone or computer, it turns into an insult. Even if families or friends continue to honor them with a big celebratory party, that phrase might be considered rude or inappropriate. A few of my own extended family members are those in the camp who take birthday greetings seriously. They take umbrage no matter what the circumstances, as those particular combinations of words in adulthood are rude or inappropriate. Their birthdays are all about appearance and it becomes a negative marker for the aging process.
It represents one more “trip around the sun” when someone regards birthdays as the best part of each year with friends and family, continuing to celebrate the passing of each year with flair and fun. I am viewed so often as positive in my views that when someone tells a joke about my advancing age, I am usually not offended either. Institutional birthdays such as the length a government lasts, like America’s upcoming 250th, should be throwing the best parties all over the country. It can continue to be celebrated with the decorum and dignity honoring the importance of all those who died to protect democracy, and it can be filled with flag-waving, parades and family picnics, no matter the size of the village, town or city. No matter who the President is, the citizens of this nation continue to be the strongest supporters of celebrating our Independence Day together. There have been times when there have been divisions in our populace, yet the planned July 4th activities in our town reflect our own culture. No politicism can take it over, as it usually is on that day we work together to honor our western community’s own history.
Childhood memories are of the fun activities held on that day. This is a national event that pulls people together each year. Go to towns and cities throughout the country and the flag-waving increases exponentially. It is when the length of an institution is celebrated that the number of years becomes difficult to pronounce. The official Semiquincentennial year or the shorter version Sestercentennial year of our democracy is long enough that neither word can be pronounced correctly by quite a few of our citizens.
Aging institutions are often looked upon as relics, with someone later feeling the need to update or completely change their physical appearance. It is what is underneath those appearances that are even more important. Our democracy must be continued to be kept vibrant. This can only be done together, as we are really getting up there.
By DOLLY VISCARDI