July 4th, 2008
United States Independence Day
If you live in the United States, you already know that today is Independence Day, a holiday that is always celebrated on July 4th. For history buffs out there, you may remember that that date was chosen as this day because the Second Continental Congress adopted the unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America (typically called the Declaration of Independence) on this date in the year 1776. This document is considered the founding document of The United States of America.
Even today, 232 years later, the words penned by such great men as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, are concepts that bear repeating on a regular basis: “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.“ The words there are more than simply words. They are carefully crafted ideas and ideals, heartfelt principals that men and women (then and today) have given their lives for. Granted, we could argue that rights to all citizens are still lacking at times, but we cannot deny the greatness of minds that came together to found the Country that I call my home.
I have traveled in and out of Washington DC over the last three years and have spent 90% of my time the last few months living in the city. I have visited the National Archives where one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence resides and I would be lying if I didn’t tell you how I got goose bumps as I stood looking at the fragile piece of parchment underneath the glass….signed by the President of the Congress (John Hancock) as well as 55 other brave men. Just this past weekend, I visited the Library of Congress where Thomas Jefferson’s working draft of the document was on display along with many of the books and papers that influenced some of the ideas contained there.
The 4th of July is not just about barbecues and pool parties, it is so much more. It is a celebration in the price brave souls have paid in order to grant the freedoms that most folks take for granted. I look at at like this: you may not agree with everything this Country does, but you are blessed with the freedom to give your opinions by these founding fathers, rebels, who stood up to say that we have certain unalienable rights.
