The chapter, Celebrating the Nation, 1961-1976, discusses the
significance of the United States National Celebration of the Bicentennial,
an event that commemorates the country's victory over foreign rule during
the historic events of the American Revolution and Civil War. Celebrating
these historic events is, according to the article, a direct manifestation
of the country, particularly the government's, efforts to perpetuate the
spirit of nationalism among American citizens and provide these events with
a significant meaning for the society. The process of celebrating these
historic events, is done so "on behalf of the nation; it was the nation,
with its past, present, and future themes and symbols, that merited loyalty
and respect" (228). Nation, in this context, represents the whole American
nation, and by centering the government's efforts in celebrating the
victory of the American nation in the American Revolution and Civil War,
Americans are indirectly partaking in the past's victory, solidly
establishing the American nation's unity in the past, present, and future
Indeed, the interrelatedness of the past, present, and future
generations of the American nation is addressed in this analysis. National
celebrations of the country's past imply the direct role that history plays
in influencing the course of history of the country in its current state.
Making the nation realize about the extraordinary feats that the nation had
expended for their country brings about a sense of solidarity and
nationalismâ€"traits that bring about unity. Moreover, with unity comes a
sense of accountability of each individual for others, creating a new kind
of society in the US: a collective nation and society, which is remarkable
since Western societies are generally perceived as individualistic in
nature. Reinforcement of unity and collectivism as an American nation is
...