Patriotic Moments Found in Science Fiction – An Independence Day Blog
Patriotic Moments Found in Science Fiction – An Independence Day Blog
by June K. Williams
Another July 4th is just around the corner and we will celebrate with barbecues, picnics, fireworks, parades and concerts. What is it that we are celebrating? The freedom and independence bought with the blood of patriots. This spirit has been glorified in Science Fiction and Fantasy for quite a while. Here are some special moments we would like to share with you.
Babylon 5
Declaration of independence. John Sheridan prepares the people for a confrontation with President Clark’s forces: “May I have your attention please? In the last few hours, we have learned that warships are coming this way from Earth. Their orders are to seize command of Babylon 5 by force. As commanding officer and military governor of Babylon 5, I cannot allow this to happen. President Clark has violated the Earth Alliance Constitution: by dissolving the Senate, declaring martial law, and personally ordering the bombing of civilian targets on the Mars colony. He is personally responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent people. Following these attacks, Orion 7 and Proxima 3 have broken away from the Earth Alliance, and declared independence. Babylon 5 now joins with them. As of this moment, Babylon 5 is seceding from the Earth Alliance. We will remain an independent state till President Clark is removed from office. At the end of this current crisis, anyone who wishes to leave for Earth is free to do so. Meanwhile for your own safety, I urge everyone to stay in your quarters until this is over. That is all.
Independence Day.
President Whitmore’s speech about why they are about to fight.: “Good morning. Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world, and you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. Mankind,that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can’t be consumed by our petty differences any more. We will be united in our common interest. Perhaps its fate that today is the 4th of July and you will once again be fighting for our freedom. Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution, but from annihilation. We’re fighting for our right to live, to exist and should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice, ‘We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on, we’re going to survive.’ Today we celebrate our independence day!”
Armageddon was a story of saving the Earth from destruction by asteroid not alien invasion but extinction is extinction. The President tells the world that “I address you tonight not as the president of the United States, not as the leader of the country, but as a citizen of humanity.” He asks for prayer and at the same time praises humanity’s courage and ingenuity. I would also point out that he does this in front of an American flag and the 14 men who are going on the mission have NASA insignias on their suits.
Iron Man
Tony Stark – demonstrates his fondness for fireworks and defense: “Is it better to be feared or respected. I say is it too much to ask for both? They say that the best weapon is the one you never have to fire. I respectfully disagree. I prefer the weapon you only have to fire once. That’s how Dad did it,that’s how America does it, and it’s worked out pretty well so far. I present to you the newest in Stark Industries’ Freedom line. Find an excuse to let one of these off the chain, and I personally guarantee, the bad guys won’t even wanna come out of their caves. Ladies and gentlemen, for your consideration… the Jericho.”
Star Trek
James T. Kirk, the guy from Iowa who works in outer space shares their Constitution with the survivors of a world war between the “Kohms” and the Yangs” in the original series episode Omega Glory. Kirk also attempted to inspire the mirror universe Spock to be the man who changes the present, to spark a revolution. Kirk gives a reason and a weapon to help that Spock avert the illogical waste that will be brought about by the evil Empire he was serving.
Last but not least is Superman. There is no other character in comic books, on television or in the movies that is more patriotic than the Man of Steel himself. His is more action than rousing speeches but not any less because of it. He has always stood for Truth, Justice and the American Way. That American way is a life that values the dignity of the individual, self reliant merit based success, optimistic, forward thinking, compassionate and humanitarian actions. This way of relating to the world is idealistic and while striving to reach their goals the belief is that a true American should also lend a helping hand to those in distress. Is it any wonder that Superman is the epitome of American patriotism?
Written by June K Williams
Always a Science Fiction fan and dabbler in writing she had thought herself too practical to pursue a career in the field. Before coming to Buzzy she spent over 30 years in the travel industry, then one day decided it was time to spread her wings and plunge into publishing. Everyone she knew thought she had gone slightly daft but as this was not the first time they had expressed that opinion she took the red pill anyway and now spends all of her time putting together projects that make each day a pleasure.
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