Tomorrow, we celebrate a proud day in American History. On July 4, 1776, the American colonists, led by an illustrious group of patriots, declared independence from the Kingdom or Nation of Great Britain! Sadly, the day has become more associated with baseball games, barbecues, fireworks, parades, and even family reunions than with the event we are celebrating.
That is why, as my title suggests, I do not celebrate the Fourth of July as a holiday; I celebrate INDEPENDENCE DAY! I make the distinction, and if you consider it hair-splitting, I’m okay with that because it is personal and important to make the distinction.
History records that on July 2, 1776, the actual legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain transpired with the passage of a resolution proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia to declare the United States independent from Great Britain. The resolution was debated and revised by the “Committee of Five,” with Thomas Jefferson being the principal author of the revision and approved on July 4, 1776.
John Adams wrote his wife, Abigail, saying:
“The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
He was only off by two days, and from the very beginning, most Americans celebrated Independence Day on July 4th, the date on the Declaration of Independence.
An interesting side note is that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only two of the signers of the infamous documents, who went on to serve as President, and both died on the same day: July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. Interestingly, James Monroe, although not a signer but one of the Founding Fathers, died on July 4, 1831, becoming the third in a row to die on July 4th. Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President, was born on July 4, 1872. Although those tidbits mean nothing in the entire scheme of things, they are interesting side notes.
When I think of how much was sacrificed to make America free, I cannot stop the tears that well up in my eyes, the lump that gathers in my throat, and the sense of appreciation and pride that wells up in my heart as I reflect on this special day. As an American by birth, a combat veteran, and a Christian, I take special pride in what this day means. I have a difficult time with those who diminish its importance and significance and refuse to allow it to become just a holiday and day off work to me.
Independence Day is a foundational part of our American history; without it, we would have no history of freedom and liberty. Like Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day, I enjoy the festivities but strive to keep the integrity of the day elevated to its lofty position in my mind and heart. I do not want to forget what it means, not even for a nanosecond.
Tomorrow, as we celebrate this special day, let’s all remember to thank God for our Freedom, which is in dire jeopardy from within. Let’s remember to pay tribute to the visionaries in the colonies who saw not only the nation but had the courage to organize and implement the plan to bring us this Freedom. Let’s remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to see it come to life and honor their memories with more than barbecues, parades, fireworks, and other festivities. Let’s take a moment to verbalize our appreciation and realize that what they gave us is so fragile that we could easily lose it.
The Founding Fathers realized the fragility of Freedom and Liberty and repeatedly warned us about preserving it. We have slumbered far too long, allowing those who would take it from us to entrench themselves in positions of power and allowing laws and regulations to strip away many of our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.
As we remember what the day means, we must recommit ourselves to the cause of Constitutional Liberty and dedicate ourselves to removing from office anyone and everyone who would act in such a manner as to jeopardize those Freedoms and Liberties!
That list should include every Progressive, Left-wing Liberal, Socialist, Marxist, and RINO. The American Independence and Freedom that were purchased by the blood of patriots is hanging in the balance and threatened by those who have zero appreciation for what we have been given and what it cost.
I urge you to study, examine, evaluate, listen, talk, work, pray, and by all means, Vote in November to take America back from those who would destroy her!
God bless you, and God bless America! May Freedom Ring for all future generations!
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