Independence Day

Memorial Grave Marker - Delaware Park 

No picture of fireworks, hot dogs or billowing flags. Just an unassuming boulder in the middle of the park. 120 years ago today, this stone was dedicated to the 300 forgotten soldiers who are buried here in the middle of what is now a golf course in Delaware Park. These men, who sleep in nameless graves, fought in the War of 1812. Buffalo and the region were integral to this second war of independence. Francis Scott Key was so inspired by one of its battles, that he penned the words that would become the National Anthem. We tend to think we hit the ground running as a nation after our declaration, but the British were still burning our cities in 1812, Buffalo included.

As those who lay sleeping in the meadow knew, the Fourth was our republic but imagined. Its fruition would be realized in the many difficult years that followed. Many would say it's still fledgling, and indeed the "eternal vigilance" Jefferson spoke of still rings true. On this Independence Day, in these tumultuous times, keep in mind we have been through far worse. Remember our hard-fought liberties, those intended for all Americans, not just for those with whom we agree. So, unlike the golfers who unwittingly trudge over graves of the forgotten dead, let us recall and keep fresh the real principles of our nation. Now go eat some hot dogs.