This article is a must read. Your spirit in our American unity will come to life. This astounding article produced with permission by Scott Falin, now in college. This article will renew your faith in our United States and in our youth today. Scott, thank you for rejuvenating my faith in our nation and the future it holds.
“E Pluribus Unum: Is this motto, adopted in 1782, relevant to our country today?
“The words “E Pluribus Unum” define the history of the United States and epitomize the spirit of America. America’s founding fathers rightfully adopted this Latin phrase meaning “from many, one” as the motto for their nascent nation. America has always boasted an unparalleled amount of diversity, yet, on countless occasions, multiple interests, cultures, states, and peoples have united as one country. The greatness of the United States lies in this delicate balance between diversity and unity. America has always striven to be a land of tolerance and freedom, a country strengthened by its pluralism and a people bound by their love for what America embodies. Throughout American history - through the country’s darkest moments and its brightest days “E Pluribus Unum” has been more than just a motto; it has emerged as the national mission and the lofty aspiration to forge a uniquely American identity that encompasses both the diversity of its people and the principles of its foundation.
During the Revolutionary War, when “E Pluribus Unum” first became the national motto, thirteen colonies with vastly different interests and lifestyles came together to discard the yoke of tyranny and to defend an infant nation that stood for justice and independence. This momentous event marked the beginning of not just a new country, but also a new national doctrine that encouraged pluralism, liberty, and individual freedom. The words “E Pluribus Unum” were a fitting motto for these young United States. Out of many colonies, came one nation that forever changed the face of the world. Yet after the unity they displayed during this long war for independence, the states returned to the rivalries and squabbling that had divided them before. Throughout the course of American history, this struggle between the interests of the nation and theindividual state would play a dangerous and divisive role. The founding fathers, though, foresaw this potential problem and sought to foster peace and unity. With “E Pluribus Unum” as their motto, they attempted to ensure that from all the competing states and interests, there would come one nation united in its support for the advancement of freedom. Besides the one glaring exception of the Civil War, this aspiration has held remarkably true. The American culture of perseverance and tolerance has virtually always sustained this country through times of conflict and disagreement by uniting all states and all people in a shared belief in what they could accomplish together. America has been deeply divided many times in the past and certainly will be many times in the future, yet the American people seem to always locate the capacity to overcome their differences and, in the spirit of “E Pluribus Unum,” emerge as a stronger, more prosperous, and more united people than ever before imaginable.
The message of “E Pluribus Unum” has also evolved to demonstrate how a uniquely American identity has emerged from the countless cultures and traditions that have created the aptly called “American melting pot.” The history of the United States is essentially the history of the accumulation of different cultures and beliefs that have shaped the American personality. Throughout America’s past, every wave of immigration has brought forth a new set of ideas and lifestyles. In America’s pluralistic and tolerant society, immigrants become true Americans not by abandoning their heritage, but by contributing it to the American identity. There is no one quintessential American. Each American possesses his or her own faith, own opinions, and own lives, yet the American identityencompasses this diversity within its people. Unlike virtually any other country, the society and the people of the United States are strengthened bytheir differences. A myriad of diverse peoples, cultures, religions, and ethnicities enhance an America that, through pluralism, tolerance, and liberty, celebrates diversity and unites a people of differences in a collective love for their country. Since this nation’s conception, the words “E Pluribus Unum” have captured the remarkable story of America: the tale of a country where from many people and cultures with different pasts, emerged one nation with one shared future.
There are those who will ask whether the motto of “E Pluribus Unum” still bears relevance in this day and age. Some will argue that it is obsolete and that one American identity has already emerged from the many. Yet, past experiences of the United States teach us that this process is never complete. The notion of America is perpetually changing and expanding as new people and ideas flow in and out of the country. America will always be evolving, always changing, and always, in the spirit of “E Pluribus Unum,” reaffirming the American commitment to freedom and inclusiveness. As long as the United States remains faithful to its founding principles, then America will forever be a land of pluralism and diversity, tolerant of the people’s differences and united by its most noble values. The words “E Pluribus Unum” have and always will be relevant to this country.The wisdom of “E Pluribus Unum” may actually have never held a more significant purpose in American society in recent history than it does today. From an influx of immigration to the widening divisions along racial, religious, and political lines, Americans are understandably worried that the thread holding the United States together may be starting to unravel. Many Americans, for instance, fear that recent immigration is disrupting American society and destroying the heritage of this country. They worry that current immigrants will not assimilate into American society and will only precipitate division and disorder. Others are apprehensive of the growing intolerance and animosity that exist between different racial, religious, and political groups. Differences have always been present in American society, but many individuals fear that today’s divided United States has gone beyond reconciliation. For many, the cohesion of an American identity appears to be disintegrating as the notion of a both diverse and united nation becomes growingly unattainable. Yet, despite the widespread cynicism and disillusionment, the story of “E Pluribus Unum” offers a much-needed dose of hope and optimism for the future of America. The United States has always struggled with divisiveness and turmoil in its past; however, whenever the United States has faced a daunting challenge, the American people have always united to rise to the task. Respecting each other’s differences, they united in their shared faith in the limitless potential of what together they could accomplish. There is no reason to assume that the vault of this uniquely American spirit is now empty or that the reservoir of the American will is depleted. Once again, immigrants will assimilate and add to the national character. Once again, Americans will be able to mollify their differences throughcivility, tolerance, and discourse. And, through the leadership, courage, and perseverance of the American people, once again, out of many there shall emerge one nation, stronger and more united than ever before.
I would like to extend a safe 4th of July to all. Remember, the wisdom of “E. Pluribus Unun” “from many one.”
Remember, keep moving FORWARD to stay ahead in REVERSE.
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