A Rising Sun

With thanks to the National Park Service, whose rank and file are trying to remain true to its mission.

Happy Independence Day, July 4, 2026

It is America’s 250^th Birthday.

As my readers know, I am always encouraging everyone to Ride to the Sunshine. It is the tag line for this site, and I am Constancely Hoping that you will.

There are many quotes attributed to our Founding Fathers, some true, some apocryphal.

We do know the authenticity of one quote from Benjamin Franklin, because it was a part of the minutes of the Constitutional Convention for September 17, 1787.  While it was said 11 years after the anniversary we celebrate today and is associated with the signing of the U.S. Constitution and not the Declaration of Independence, I think it is fitting to be remembered by our Country today.

During the grueling days of debate over America’s charter document, Franklin had been transfixed on the carving that crowned the Chippendale Chair used by George Washington while presiding over the proceedings. It was an image of the sun, half exposed above the horizon.

About it Franklin said:

I have often and often, in the course of the session, and the vicissitudes of my hopes and fears as to its issue, looked at that behind the President, without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting: but now at length, I have the happiness to know, that it is a rising and not a setting sun.

I invite you to ride toward that rising sun with me on this July 4, 2026 secure in the knowledge that as in 1776 and 1787, the fate of this Nation is in the hands of its citizens. Despite the flood of evidence to the contrary, the Charters of American Freedom enshrined in the National Archives are both our unfailing guide and our impenetrable shield.

It is for us in this revolutionary season to lift our voices, to cast our votes, and to help guide this ship back on a true course.

But what can I really do you ask?

No more nor less than your ancestors did in 1861, 1914, 1941, and 1950. No more nor less than you did in 2011 and in the face of the pandemic.

We have seen worse, much worse, and the center has held. It has held largely due to the strength of our ideals as enumerated in the document that we celebrate today and the one we recognize each September 17.

So, saddle up my friends and ride with me into the glowing light of the rising sun.