As most are likely aware, on July 4, this country marks the 250th anniversary of the Second Continental Congress’ adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It is the date that we celebrate the founding of the United States. On Aug. 1, Colorado celebrates the 150th anniversary of becoming a state. Celebrations and events are scheduled this year across the country and around the state.
According to History Colorado (see: historycolorado.org/colorado-150), state legislation created a commission to facilitate Colorado’s anniversary celebration. The state has been divided into eight regions, and Durango and La Plata County fall within the Mountains and Mesas region (see: colorado150southwest.org). Committees have been planning these events for more than two years. I encourage you to visit the websites. There are many activities planned, and communities can also create their own.
I see this year of celebration as a perfect time to look back on our history, both nationally and locally. It is important to look at both the good – even great – things we have done and the bad and terrible things. There are plenty of examples of both.
The great things are to be celebrated. They can encourage us to do great things now and in the future. Some of the greatest accomplishments were made not from some set of elites, but from we the people. Our greatest heroes did not spring up from birth destined to do great things. They came from all walks of life, all backgrounds and from all over the world. They seized a moment, whether with a great idea using the talents they possessed to move it forward, with an act of uncommon bravery in battle or harsh circumstances, or with the courage to stand up to the powerful and say, “This is not right, and we can do better.”
We also need to look at the bad, the atrocities that were committed in our history. We don’t need to look at them and feel responsible for what happened. We need to recognize that those who suffered injustices were also human beings and a part of who we are now. We need to look for the lessons in the way we have treated others, and even ourselves. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it and move toward a better future.
For those of us living here in this special part of the world, this is a good time, as we look at others’ experiences, to reflect on why we are here. What makes this place home to us? It doesn’t matter if you are a sixth-generation resident or moved here last month. What is it that keeps us here?
Think of your reasons. Think of what you treasure and enjoy, then work to protect them in the future.
I see essays, articles and various talking heads saying how we are more divided than ever in this country. I disagree. Looking back, I see a continuous line of division in the country, the state and our county. It has ebbed and flowed, sometimes leading to the terrible things I referred to before, but it has also led to those acts of greatness.
Someone has always stood up and said, “Enough.” Others join in, and people work together to solve problems, to right wrongs.
It still begins the same way today: by talking to each other – not at each other.
Scott Perez is a former working cowboy, guide and occasional actor. He earned a master’s degree in natural resource management from Cornell University and lives in the Animas River Valley.
