For many of us the Fourth of July celebrations started the last weekend in June with local fireworks, family gatherings and GIGANTIC, STUPENDOUS STORE SALES!!! What a lucky bunch of people we are. Most of us are starting the work week anticipating a holiday on Thursday, perhaps even Friday. A four day holiday would be a joyous occasion. Part of whatever amount of holiday we get will be spent reflecting on the generosity of those responsible for this event. Sure!
“Why can’t we get along?” This country was built by a fiercely independent, opinionated group of people who did not play well with others. They wanted to be left alone to raise their families, have some chance of financial success and worship the way they saw fit. These people were tired of an aristocratic, overseas government telling them what to do with their lives and what they could not do. The thirteen colonies legally separated from England on July 2, 1776 and on July 4, 1776, Thomas Jefferson and others prepared the Declaration of Independence as an announcement of and an explanation of why this separation was necessary. This turned into more than just a shouting match between us and them and many lives were lost, families separated and homes destroyed. Yet in the end, a new nation was born.
We’ve had a few years to consider the actions of these people. Did they do the right thing? They could have left well enough alone, allowing King George III’s emissaries to continue overseeing this fledgling group of colonies however they saw fit. Those who worked well in the system and acquiesced to the British reign would be treated well and those who did not would not. Hmmm.
If you haven’t read the Declaration of Independence recently, here are a few points that are covered in the indictment section.
Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
I hope we all have a safe Independence Day, full of parades, sports events and fireworks. As you spend time with your families, take a moment to consider the bravery of some who chose to make this day historic. Consider these final words taken from this most important document. Occasionally, we can agree on some things.
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Sharon