When I visited Independence Hall in Philadelphia and stood where our second president, John Adams, took the oath of office, I reflected on our first president’s decision to walk away from the power and prestige of the presidency in support of our democracy. I am still in awe of this act of love for our young nation.
While in Philadelphia, I learned more about Washington’s leadership through educational exhibits, exhibits that also displayed photos and biographies of the enslaved people he owned. Although I am horrified that our first president participated in the system of slavery, I feel that it is my right and responsibility to know. I carry the contradictions of our history with me — as all Americans do.
I was troubled to learn some of the National Park Service’s historical displays in Philadelphia were removed. I am concerned this is part of the current administration’s “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” When I look beneath the words of this initiative, I wonder whether the goal is to hide the aspects of our history that are hard to face. Perhaps they have forgotten that we can face difficult truths — historical, scientific and even about ourselves. Maybe we have forgotten too. Will we remember before it’s too late?
Melissa A. Rychener
Swissvale