Here we are, the Fourth of July! That wonderful day of summer. People are having cookouts with all the trimmings, pool parties, and of course there are the amazing fireworks. This is as it should be. It’s what we look forward to all year since the last Fourth. That day when cannon balls and bottle rockets go hand in hand. Of course, it’s also great to remember what the holiday celebrates, the birth of what was and is earth’s greatest nation. And our freedom wasn’t won lightly.
From 1775 to 1783 approximately 50,000 U.S. persons were either killed or wounded during the course of 25 battles from Quebec to South Carolina. The Tea Act, the Sugar Act and then, finally, the Stamp Act proved too much for the American colonies and many of our freedoms and liberties were born into a new Constitution and, thanks be to God, this nation.
Of course, there have been many sacrifices since then, in both war and peace, in combat, in construction, in commerce. There are other days to remember the lives lost and hardships endured. Today, I like to remember the true and original meaning of Independence Day: our Declaration, our Constitution, our inalienable rights. Truths that we do, indeed, hold to be self evident.
So please, enjoy your family time. Enjoy that wonderful cheeseburger and potato salad. Ooohh and Aaahh at the fireworks displays. All of that is part of celebrating our heritage and history and every single thing, big and small, that makes America still today a shining city on a hill, a beacon of light and hope in a world of so much darkness and woe. But also remember.
Remember those first Americans. Those who had the courage to stand up for what is right. Those few that said “no! we will not be ruled. We will not be dictated to without a voice.”
Here is our voice. Still strong today. It is the American voice. The voice that speaks freedom to all who wish it, despite our problems. Still setting the example. Still giving hope. Let us not forget that. Let us remember our true Fourth of July.