On June 9, a full house at the Capital Center of the Arts watched Ken Burns being interviewed by Laura Kinoy about the “American Idea.” Burns has worked in Walpole for the last 47 years producing over 40 film documentaries about American history. The focus was on the American Revolution, his most recent documentary, and celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary, but it also celebrated the career of Ken Burns himself.
Burns was free in speaking about his sometimes strong impressions of various important people who guided us in forming our nation. He spoke of Abigale Adams who not only guided her husband John but was also sought out for advice from almost all of the founding fathers. She was our first women’s rights advocate. He spoke of Washington, not only of his fearless leadership in war, but of his dedication to setting an example for the future in regard to peaceful transfer of power, religious freedom and, most importantly, being humble.
The audience listened to him talk about Washington’s leadership and example, setting the template for our young nation as the reason Burns said he felt Washington by far was our most important president.
It made me think about where we are today. We’ve gone from “I can’t tell a lie” to “I can’t tell the truth.” We’ve gone from fearless courage leading a battle charge to bone spurs. We’ve gone from being offered to be king, turning it down and returning home to Mount Vernon, to giving us Jan. 6 and the refusal to attend Joe Biden’s inauguration (humble grace verses sore loser).
One thing that Burns said made me think there was something Washington and Trump had in common. They were both rich. Indeed, Burns said that Washington may have been the richest man in the country in 1775 when he took on the leadership of the colonial army. But between then and his leaving the presidency in 1797, he made it back to Mount Vernon less than 50 days. He was too busy making the new country work. Contrast that to the time Trump spends at Mar-a-Lago and on the golf course. It’s as if in electing Trump twice, we as a country have taken a complete turnaround from Washington’s mission and hope.
Burns also told us not to give up and that our history shows there have been worse times and that we can be resilient and bounce back. He felt things were worse in the 1960s with Vietnam and the civil rights battle, and we bounced back. He told us to get rid of what he called our “chicken-littleness.” We can get where we want to be, but only if we know and remember the past — not the 1950s MEGA past, but the 1776 past which asks us to follow Washington’s example.
Ken Burns wants us learn and remember. His films provide wonderful historical information. We are lucky to have this national treasure right here in New Hampshire and he’s still doing good work documenting our history and telling our stories.
Nick Perencevich lives in Concord.