Freedom

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that  among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”    See the Declaration of Independence.

This weekend many Americans will have an extra day off and they will be celebrating the Fourth of July otherwise known as Independence day.

Why is this day special?

What gives the Fourth of July its significance is that the Continental Congress  approved and adopted the final wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

There were 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence document representing the 13 colonies. Although the majority of signers’  names are not recognized by most Americans.  Arguably the most recognized names are: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Thomas Jefferson. The signers knew that this declaration of independence from the dictatorial rule of Great Britain might also be — literally — their death sentence.

Yet this group of men, put their signatures, and their lives, their families, their destiny, on that parchment. And so, against all odds, that Declaration told the world that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states.”

The only importance of the 4th day of July, then, is that it marks the birth of the United States of America.

The first celebration of American Independence took place four days later in Philadelphia, where the Continental Congress was still meeting.

The ceremony began with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Then, from the tower of the State House, now called Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell rang out.

The coat of arms of the king of England was taken down. There was a parade. And cannons boomed. The people, though aware of what lay ahead, cheered! A new nation sprang to life.

That’s what July 4th is meant to be about. A celebration of a birth of a nation.

So on this July 4th take a moment to reflect on why you have the freedoms that you do; and on why we can celebrate July 4th: because a group of people had enough of tyranny rule under a King and wanted a say in how they were governed.

Our government is not perfect, but it still is one of the best and I am proud to be an American. Happy 239th Birthday to the United States.

God Bless America!

For a complete history of the signing of the Declaration of Independence click here.