You know when one thinks of yesterday, it’s fairly recent, but when one ponders July 4, 1776, that seems like an eternity ago. Do you still remember the story?
I wonder if the schools today still teach the birth and history of our country.
Our nation had its beginning with those first enclaves of immigrants who left England for those American shores.
The earliest Europeans departed England for North America searching for religious freedom, economic opportunities and political liberty. Eventually, they would form 13 colonies on the East Coast.
A Revolutionary War would be the result of these desires, against the oversight and oppression from the King of England.
On July 4, 1776, the second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence proclaiming the 13 colonies totally free from Great Britain; an earlier approval actually occurred on July 2nd.
There were 56 signers, and nine of them fought and died of wounds or hardships during the Revolutionary War; many lost their incomes and fortunes.
George Washington and other patriots would clear the path in obtaining freedom from Great Britain.
Although Washington lost more battles than he won, his victories at Trenton in 1776 and Yorktown in 1781 were substantial and demonstrated his traits of valor, strategy and a tenacious approach to war.
Washington would become the first President as a result of his courage and wisdom.
And so goes the history of this great country, which has ‘no king’ who sits on a throne of power to rule.
No other government on the planet has the foundation of a ‘Republic’ and ‘Democracy’ so intertwined like America; we are still evolving.
In this Declaration, the forefathers had a vision of how this new nation would function; it would no longer serve or be controlled by the King of England. It established basic rights for its people:
(1) God made all men equal and gave them the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;
(2) the main business of government is to protect these rights;
(3) if a government tries to withhold these rights, the people are free to revolt and to set up and establish a new government.
Those issues of slavery, women suffrage and other elements of liberty and freedom would come much later.
Wars and assassinations have too been part of our nation’s history. “Has anybody here seen my old friends Abraham, Martin and John”; it seems the good here die young. (Dion~1968) and was that Bobby walking up the hill?
Heroes and Patriots lie silent in grassy graves these days.
The same freedoms given to Americans have not been gifted to people in other nations.
You are a very unique person if you live in America and possess this aspect of freedom.
John Adams, the second President, in a letter to his wife Abigail said the signing of the Declaration was a good reason to have ‘an anniversary festival’ by future generations on July 2nd and later changed to July 4th.
He also suggested it “ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more”.
This Dargan Boy has pretty much done his part in following Adams’ advice; how about you?
But I must wonder out loud just how much of this history is still remembered by the masses.
Are those current social issues of present day causing those heroic deeds and sacrifices of yesterday to be forgotten.
And maybe that crack in the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia really is a reminder to the strength of our union, or perhaps instead, how delicate it is becoming.
On July 4th while you enjoy your burger, hot dog and libation, and toss a cherry bomb or two, you should be ‘thankful’ you’re reading my missive.
Throughout our history, our independence and freedoms have been seriously tested; they have survived.
Will they continue?
Or are there individuals on both sides of the political aisle who still yearn to be King?
George Washington who could have been elected many more times, chose instead to recognize the importance of serving only two terms and leaving.
He chose ‘country over leader’; I believe he knew inwardly that ‘power corrupts.’
Happy Fourth of July to ya’all ~ enjoy the party!
Too soon, people forget birthdays!
