Saluting America, a work in progress

The Inquirer asked a group of prominent Philadelphians to share their thoughts about July Fourth and what it means. Here are their responses.

When I first came to Philadelphia, I lived in Old City. Late at night I often went for a walk and ended up in Independence Square. When I did, I thought of Thomas Jefferson. It is likely he would have wandered over to the square in 1776, from his boarding house nearby, to relax after a day of intense debate, to clear his mind for the writing he had been charged to do. As I walked around the square, I imagined I walked in his footsteps. Over the years I've gone back often, and I always think of Jefferson. I feel his spirit, hear his words whispered among the trees: "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal. . . . "

There was no equality among men, or women, in his time; no liberty for all. When I walked the square in the late 1960s, struggles for equality were going on all around me. Even today that is true. Those words inspired generations to try to fulfill Jefferson's dream, and we have made enormous progress. The Fourth of July reminds me of this. It reminds me of that young man, walking the square, trying to find in the quiet darkness the words that would capture the hopes of his fellow delegates, words that continue to inspire today.

John Andrew Gallery

Executive director

Preservation Alliance

for Greater Philadelphia

When I think about the Fourth of July, I count the many blessings we have in this country: the freedom to worship as we please, the freedom to speak freely, the freedom to run for elected office without reprisal - and these are not things I take for granted. When I read about other countries around the world where there are not fair and free elections, where there is still religious bigotry, still intolerance, I realize the great gift of living in a country founded on July Fourth. It's a gift I hold in high esteem, with great joy.

Rev. Wilson B. Goode Sr.

Senior adviser

Public/Private Ventures

Mayor of Philadelphia, 1984-1992

On the Fourth of July in 1998, I had the honor of attending the ceremonies for that year's Liberty Medal recipient, former Sen. George Mitchell. As a daughter of two Irish immigrants, I was particularly taken by his tremendous accomplishments in mediating a peace settlement in Northern Ireland.