The Blessings of Freedom

Happy Birthday America!

Two hundred and thirty-six years ago, the United States of America declared its independence from Great Britain and the land of the free was born.  Here in Amana, the liberties those men and women fought for during the Revolutionary War were fully realized by the Community of True Inspiration.

Reading about Washington and the troops crossing
the Delaware during the Revolutionary War.

The Amana people moved to the United States in 1842 to freely exercise their religious beliefs without the dangers that existed in Europe.  A little over a decade later, the residents were very grateful to find this little valley in Eastern Iowa that reminded them so much of the home they had left over 4000 miles away.  Being able to practice their beliefs openly made it possible for the communal era to last as long as it did.  Although the Amana people were at times treated poorly for their beliefs and their German heritage, they did what they could to help preserve the freedoms they had been given when they had arrived in New York.

The people of Amana were strong pacifists and remained true to that belief even when it was unpopular.  During the Civil War, they shipped wool blankets, coats, and other supplies for troops in Union and the Confederacy, recognizing that both sides were made up of brothers in Christ and fighting was not the answer to solving their dispute. They continued to pray for peace and often wrote to leaders on both sides to humble themselves and search for a peaceful resolution to the war that would end up costing more than 600,000 lives.

One of the many patriotic items sold at the General
Store this summer...and one of my favorite swings
in the store!

When World War I broke out, many viewed the Amana people as possible traitors and spies for the German Army.   Despite the outside world’s verbal attacks and unfair judgement, the community supported the U.S. troops buying Liberty Bonds; some of the men even enlisted in the military to fight for their country.  After the war ended, the Amanas found it more and more difficult to ignore pressures of the outside world and finally ended the communal era in 1932.

Since that time, Amana residents have served in the United States Armed Forces in almost every war.  Many have been injured and received Purple Hearts for their sacrifice to preserve the freedoms they had inherited from their ancestors who immigrated to this country.

As a humble, little mouse, it is amazing to live in a community with so much patriotic spirit and a true appreciation for the freedoms the Continental Army fought for over two hundred years ago.

So Happy Birthday America!  I hope the next 236 years bring as much happiness and prosperity as the past 236.