Thoughts On Independence Day

     In the next few days many people will be enjoying cooking out on the grill, perhaps some swimming and enjoying time with family and friends.  Groups will gather around to watch parades and then see the fireworks blast off at night.  If a brief moment of your time I just want you to reflect on a few thoughts on the meaning behind this fun summer holiday.  Why are you celebrating this day?  What event caused the nation, on this day, to celebrate?  If you struggle to find the answer then please continue reading. 

     Revolutionary War was a form of a Civil War.  Think back to colonial days in our nation's history.  We were a branch off of England.  The land we claimed and took was for England.  We named cities and towns after some of the noble people of England.  Virginia was named after Queen Elizabeth, Charles Town after King Charles II and New York after the Duke of York who gained control of the land in the 17th century.  We were proud to be part of England. 

     Then the tides started to turn.  Due to a variety of reasons (laws, land, taxes, not having a voice in England) we wanted to break away and have a country of our own.  The Continental Congress sat down and wrote out the Declaration of Independence.  Just as it sounds, it was to declare our independence from England.   We were saying enough is enough and taking a stand against the country we were apart of.   King George was unfit to rule our country. 

     Fifty-Six delegates from the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia and signed the declaration.  It wasn't
until August that most of the men signed the historical document. The last signature was placed on it in November.  The document was approved on July 4.  However, signing this was not as easy as it sounds.  These people were standing up to the king and saying that they don't want him to rule America anymore.  They wanted to have a country of their own.  In other words, they were committing treason.  Treason, back then, could have a person hanged and these men knew it.  They were risking their lives in something they believed so strongly in.  They were not thinking of themselves.  They had the whole nation in mind as well as future generations. 

     As leader of Congress at the time, Hancock was the first to sign.  When John Hancock got around to signing the document he did so very boldly.  His signature was similar to sticking his middle finger at King George or mooning England.  He wanted them to know that he was declaring our freedom from them.  The others were supposed to sign the same way, or so Hancock thought, but they did not. 

     Signing this treasonous document was not easy.  Five men were captured and tortured.  Many signers homes were vandalized and burned to the ground.  Families had to keep moving to keep themselves safe.  They did us this for the good of the country.  They were willing to risk their lives for our freedom.  Would you sign a document if you knew you could be arrested for treason and hanged?  I don't think many would.

     Now back in this time not everyone was for the revolution.  One-third was for starting our new country, one-third wanted to stay loyal to England and one-third didn't care one way or another.  They just wanted to farm or sell their goods and live their happy lives. 

     And the war starts....

     It doesn't end until October 1781. 

     If we didn't win we would still be under the rule of England.  We would not have an Independence Day to celebrate.  It makes a person thankful for our militia and our inner strength to see the cause through. 

     Knowing now that we won the war it is hard to say who would be a patriot, who would stay loyal or who would just not care.  I am sure all of us would say we would be patriots and defend our nation.  I hope to believe it is like that today, that we would take a stand and defend our country. 

     Now with that insight on why we celebrate Independence Day (or July Fourth) I hope you appreciate the risk and sacrifice our forefathers had to take so we can barbecue and enjoy fireworks at night.  MAY GOD BLESS OUR NATION!!!!