Independence Day

What is Independence Day and why do we celebrate it? Well, for anyone who has read the immortal words of our Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson could not have empowered his colleagues any more clearly; and celebrating it, well, as Americans we ought to be forever mindful that the Continental Congress took those bold steps necessary to create our freedom.

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, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Freedom came at a price for the founding fathers and their fellow colonists, but to have the rights entitled to us under the Declaration of Independence makes having that freedom priceless. On this Independence Day, let us remember all those who have sacrificed to give us that freedom and to those protecting it today. It took a courageous group of individuals to stand up against insurmountable odds and believe in its eventual, successful outcome. With freedom comes the prospect of happiness, so let's celebrate and pray that one day all men and women will be free!