Sunday Platform | Anne Klaeysen: Colloquy on Patriotism

On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, held at Rochester’s Corinthian Hall, in which he said, “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” And he asked them, “Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak to-day?” During our shared reflection on patriotism, we will consider his question and what this document means to us today.

Independence Day on July 4^th has been a federal holiday since 1941, but the tradition of celebrating “the birth of America” dates back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, held at Rochester’s Corinthian Hall, in which he said, “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” And he asked them, “Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak to-day?” During our shared reflection on patriotism, we will consider his question and what this document means to us today.

Shared Charity: Encampment for Citizenship