The American Revolutionary War lasted from 1765-1783 in an effort to throw off British rule. Not everyone in the colonies was in favor of that, but with the help of France, those involved were able to succeed. The Continental Congress voted on July 2, 1776 in favor of independence and two days later, on July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the 13 colonies. Their grievances against British rule were listed, but we are all familiar with the following passage:
“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, among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
But, it goes on…
“Prudence, indeed will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes.”
Hmmm…
Philadelphia held the first annual celebration the following year which may have been the initiation of the first “fireworks” into the event as a ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. Massachusetts was the first state to make it a holiday which they did in 1781. Congress declared it a federal holiday in 1870 and it became a paid holiday for federal employees in 1941.
Ironically, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (among those to sign the document) died on July 4, 1826. Five years later (1831) James Monroe passed away on the same date.
In a letter written by Jefferson shortly before his death, he said,
“May it be to the world, what I believe it will be…the signal to men to burst the chains…and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and the freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man…For ourselves, let the annual return to this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights and an undiminished devotion to them.”
What might these men think of our country today?
Freedom is not free. There’s a cost. Many who have gone before have paid the ultimate price. And, so as we watch fireworks displays and enjoy our picnics, may we also pray that these words will indeed be heeded, that what we leave to succeeding generations might be in keeping with the ideals the founders fought for in order that our independence might indeed be birthed and exist.
“There should be no division in the body, but the members should have the same care for one another.” (1 Corinthians 12:25)
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
(Historical information from history.com and pbs.org)
We are so blessed to live in America! Happy 4th of July!
“Burst the chains and assume the blessings . . . Undiminished devotion”
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Apart from Him, we are floundering.
Lord, thank YOU that Your mercies are new every morning, and great is Your faithfulness.
Enlightening and intriguing!
To know God’s truth we must read it. To know the truth of our nation’s founding we must read what our founders wrote. In both cases we seek wisdom and discernment in interpreting the written word. Wisdom and discernment… PRUDENCE. Let us not abandon prudence as we seek to secure a future for the country our founders both fought and died for. Thank you Teri for your written word today. Happy 4th! 🇺🇸
Thx again Teri for the reminder and the remembrance of all we have been given and those that fought to keep it that way! Such a shame to see what’s happening! But God is still in control!
How blessed we are to know indeed that He is in control… always has been, always will be! And how sad to recognize that not all in this beautiful country recognize that, especially on this day that commemorates His gift of freedom to a land that is populated by many nations and beliefs.
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An excellent review! Of course, I expect no less from your diligence. We no longer have an accurate concept of truth, nor its price! May we be diligent in praying for our leaders!
Happy Independence Day!!
Enjoy the 4th
🇺🇸 May there be peace in our land and peace in our hearts, which can only come from our God.