In the heartland, Independence Day is marked by more than just flags lining the walkways, dazzling fireworks lighting up the sky, or picnic tables filled with food. There is a palpable sense of pride that is impossible to contain on this holiday. Gratitude flows freely, bringing together both friends and strangers, united in celebration. For some, the day is simply July 4, the Fourth, or America’s birthday, but these labels miss the deeper purpose behind the festivities. In rural communities – what we call the “back forty” – a deep, instinctive love of country is woven into every conversation, whether in backyards, local pubs, or campgrounds. Here, patriotism is an inheritance, passed from generation to generation, creating an unbroken chain of dedication and reverence for the nation’s founding ideals.
As veteran Scott Shoaf of Warren County, IN, asked: “Question, why are people saying happy 4th of July? It's happy Independence Day. We don't say happy 11 November or 25 December. Celebrate the holiday not the day on the calendar.”
There really was no better time to drop this current political strife into the conversation: Members of Congress are pushing to repeal the 17th Amendment and elect senators the way the Constitution originally decreed. And President Donald Trump’s celebration wasn’t what folks expected at all, but reminiscent of 1976, it had a train.
Ironic: Repealing the 17th Amendment
Texas Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) and eight other GOP House lawmakers have co-signed a joint resolution to repeal the amendment mandating that US senators be chosen by direct election. It requires yet another amendment to the Constitution to repeal one, and that’s a tall order. But if it passes, the 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, will once again change how those in the upper chamber rise to power. Maybe it’s a good time to unburden a few inane laws that happened in the year 1913. You know, the same year the Federal Reserve Act was passed, and the 16th Amendment, which burdened Americans with the federal income tax. Well, heartlanders figure it might get a little spicy on the House floor.
In the Show Me State, Don Mecey was in favor of a reboot: “We need a few men with the determination and spines of our original forefathers.”
Tad Hartlaub in Janesville, WI, came flying in from the Great Lakes: “After the ratification of the 17th, the states slowly began to lose their representation in Washington. Repealing the 17th Amendment would give the state legislatures a stronger voice in Washington DC. This would be fantastic.”
Riding the Freedom Train for 250
Those heartlanders of a certain age remember the celebrations of Independence Day in 1976. It was a bicentennial celebration spanning an entire year that included a traveling history exhibit aboard a train.
The Freedom Train rolled across the nation, a powerful symbol of unity and liberty during America’s Bicentennial celebration. Its red, white, and blue cars carried priceless documents and artifacts from the country’s founding, inviting millions of Americans to reflect on the meaning of freedom and the journey toward independence. As families gathered by the trackside, the Freedom Train brought history to life, serving as a reminder that the core ideals established two centuries earlier – liberty, unity, and the pursuit of freedom – continue to inspire and unite Americans in every region of the country. This year, there was a decked-out train, too. It took President Trump to South Dakota, rolled through several states, and came to rest in DC. There was really no fanfare, and that truly saddened a good many of the folks in the Midwest.
But here is what most folks don’t know: The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) car that carried President Trump is the president's car. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was the last president to use it.
In Maxbass, ND, Ronda Carlson said: “That’s a precious gift!”
Independence Day – The Way It Should Be
With all the struggle and strife that stains our political landscape, a clear picture has emerged: Progressives – many of them, in any case – hate this country while the conservatives seem to be celebrating Independence Day as if they were on the grass at Independence Hall in Philadelphia hearing the Declaration of Independence read 250 years ago. It was a solemn moment for all, but blended with the celebration that freedom was on its way. For heartlanders, the antics in DC were irrelevant. Their prized takeaways of the birthday anniversary included folks from all over middle America.
Stephanie McSwain Earls, from Gaffney, SC, shared her story: “The celebration in DC was amazing today and I expect it will be even better tomorrow. 1000s were in attendance and tomorrow will be even more crowded. Surprised that the Democrats are not there grabbing up the free stuff.”
From the southwest, Tucson to be exact, came a comment from Dick Boice: “The Howdy and the Handshake. The Air of feeling Free. And the Right to Speak my Mind. That's America to Me.”
Kimberley Danielle in Missouri shared, in brief, her reason for loving this country: “USA is BEAUTIFUL! You can find any type of landscape/climate in this country. I can freely worship Jesus. Opportunities are practically limitless and if you don't think they are you have the freedom to leave!”
Hoosier Josh Hitchcock said, welling up with pride:
“Today AMERICA celebrates 250 years of existence, as a Republic. 250yrs of striving to be the best country in the world. 250yrs of blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice, because freedom and greatness aren’t free. 250yrs of extraordinary accomplishments and innovation. 250yrs of historic moments on histories timeline. We've had our ups and downs. We've never been perfect as a nation. But we've been the closest thing to it that this world has ever seen. On our worst days, people across the globe still flock to our shores and borders by all manner of means. Why? America is a beacon of light to a planet in chaos. A place so awesome, that even its biggest haters and critics refuse to leave. And I've been extremely thankful, to all those across our nation’s illustrious history, who've given their last full measure of devotion, to protect it. And all these things will remain true of me, until the day I breath [sic] my last.”
Our Founding Fathers couldn’t predict how much the colonies would evolve, but they did have enough foresight to allow us enough rope to hang ourselves or learn to tie nautical knots. They wrote, “A more perfect union” – not THE perfect union.
“Gonna say it early for all of my M8s across the pond. Happy Independence Day from an ungrateful colonist!” offered this veteran, a native of New Mexico, Gary Blakesley.
Today, people from the back forty proudly watch Old Glory wave, and with every snap of the stars and stripes, they reflect on the freedom earned and the gratitude that endures. Hold onto it.
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Editor's Note: From the Back Forty is Liberty Nation's longest running and most popular weekly column.
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