Anniversaries shape collective memory. Overly sanitized history breeds cynicism when contradictions surface; relentlessly woke approaches erode the shared narrative needed for cohesion. The Revolution succeeded partly because colonists forged common cause around genuine grievances and Enlightenment-influenced principles despite deep divisions—much as Americans today might benefit from engaging the full record. Anniversaries shape collective memory. Overly sanitized history breeds cynicism when contradictions surface; relentlessly critical approaches can erode the shared narrative needed for cohesion. The Revolution succeeded partly because colonists forged common cause around genuine grievances and Enlightenment-influenced principles despite deep divisions—much as Americans today might benefit from engaging the full record.
