On Dec. 1, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln addressed the United States Congress on the State of the Union. Our Civil War had raged for more than a year and a half, and the notion of a quick Union victory had given way to the reality of a long and bloody struggle. The U.S. forces had suffered defeats at both the first and second battles of Bull Run and had been pushed out of Virginia. The battle of Antietam had occurred only a few months prior, and although considered a Union victory, it was still the bloodiest single day in United States military history.
It was in the face of this harsh reality that Lincoln gave his second State of the Union Address. During the speech, Lincoln uttered some of the most profound words of his political career. He said, "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion."
Every July 4, our nation turns out for parades, fairs, picnics and barbecues. Fireworks light up the night skies. In our own, unique way, we come together to celebrate our independence, our freedom and our country. Unfortunately, this Independence Day seems different.
Sometimes it seems like it's a very different country than it was just a few months ago. The challenges we've faced and continue to face in 2020 have put a damper on what is typically a spirited and happy occasion. The U.S. continues to deal with the emerging challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak. Our economy has taken a huge hit. People are out of work. Protests and riots continue to break the peace of everyday life. We've been bombarded with the message that we need to be ashamed of America. I think it's easy to look at this country and feel as though you don't recognize it anymore.
However, this is still the United States of America. We are still the leaders of the free world. This is still a place where, no matter your station, you can achieve your goals and give your children a better life than you had. Everyone gets a vote, and everyone's voice can be heard. Is the U.S. perfect? Of course not. As Winston Churchill said, "No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms."
And as Abraham Lincoln said, "We must rise with the occasion." The United States has confronted dire situations. We've been through the Civil War, the Great Depression, the World Wars and terrorist attacks. We've always come out stronger.
Remember that. Remember why this nation is great, and do your part to see that we come out a better country. It is time for you to make your voice heard. It is time for us all to remember why this is the greatest country in the world. Not because the U.S. is perfect - it isn't - but because we constantly strive as a people to make things better. This is not a Fourth of July to mourn what we were but to celebrate what we are always becoming: stronger.
State Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, represents the 6th District, and shares his perspective on statehouse issues twice a month.