For many of us who remember
the 1950s and ‘60s, our memories of those times are reflected in and rekindled
by the music of that period. Much of that music had a common theme. People sang
of a new day coming. Lyrics told of a future in which all people would be
united in a peaceful recognition and acceptance of the fact that we are each
different and unique. Popular songs encouraged love and tolerance and conjured
up pictures of a time when peaceful coexistence would be the order of the day,
and all mankind would join in the common cause of freedom and justice for all;
a time when mankind could be relied upon to assist those who needed assistance
and value the best efforts of each and every individual who did their best,
even when their very best fell short. Over the decades since the ‘50s and ‘60s,
many have dedicated themselves to achieving the romanticized goals of our
youth, the goals of liberty and justice, as contained in America’s historical
documents, and the pursuit of goodness, grace, and mercy in the eyes of God.
Despite the polarization which plagues our nation today, much has been
achieved. We stand today at a crossroads, on the firm foundation those
dedicated efforts produced. We live now in that new day foretold in our youth
by dreamers, songwriters, and poets. Some would take us back to a dark, divided
past, where ignorance and mistrust were the order of the day, and intolerance
and bigotry were celebrated. For the rest of us, we see about us the
realization of the dreams and ideals of our youth, the remarkable advances made
by a nation inspired by dreamers, united by song, and faithfully dedicated to
liberty and justice for all. For us, despite the many challenges we face, we
celebrate achievements and boldly strive ahead. SC
