Walking up and down Duke of Gloucester Street, it is easy for one, or at least me, to be transported back in time. People dressed in original garb race back and forth between the shops and homes. They almost seem real. Life in early America must have been very difficult for many who ventured into the new world. But with the dreams and hopes of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" for future generations, the reward for living through difficult times far out-weighed the risks.( In one of the final edits, Thomas Jefferson replaced the word 'property' with 'happiness'.)
I especially like to listen to those who assume the roles of many of this country's 'founding fathers' as they discuss the times and events leading up to and following the fight for independence. Those who assume these character roles have studied and done their homework as they get to know each person. I can only assume it has changed their lives as well and given a deeper understanding of who these patriots were and what they believed.
But as you listen to them speak and if you close your eyes and open your mind, you might have a difficult time separating the issues and concerns in 1773 from those in 2014. Regardless of who you listen to or what they believed, the concern and message was the same. They wanted to create a "government, granted by the people and for the people......."a government that allowed for open debate and discussion.
It is true that in those early years there were many living in the new world who were not represented, nor would they be for many years, the Africans, women, non-land owners to mention a few. But those who helped build this new country knew they were not creating a nation for themselves. Most would not live long enough to see the successes and failures of this 'grand democracy'. They knew they were building a nation and a government for the future, one that would be able to grow and adjust as the times and needs of society changed. They knew that kings or queens, dictators or tyrants would not serve the future well. History had proven that. No one would ever be free when being ruled by a dictator or tyrant and even today one only needs to look around the world to understand their foresight and wisdom.
These times were not easy for anyone. But as you listen to those who assume the characters and the roles and, if they are to be believed, you cannot overlook the fact that these great men and leaders all had times of personal struggle as they searched within themselves to do what was best for the people of this new nation.
The car is packed and it's time to head back home. This is my fourth or fifth trip to the Williamsburg area and there is always something new to see and learn. We'll be back in the Spring to see more, to learn more.
Regardless of where you visit in the Historic Triangle, or how many times you visit, there are always reminders of where we, as a nation, have been and maybe where we should be headed.
As we dined with some friends on the final evening at what may become one of our favorite restaurants. we noticed the walls were covered with famous quotes and pictures. As I took my seat and looked at the wall across from me I could not help but notice this quote and wondered if this could be the new American Dream?
"Resolve to be tender with the young,
compassionate with the old.
sympathetic with the striving
and tolerant of the weak and the strong.
Sometime in life we will have been all of these."
Anonymous
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