Independence Day is the national holiday of the United States of America commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

— from www.holidays.net

Fireworks, boat parades, concerts, family picnics … and prayer.  Those are all on my agenda for the days surrounding the 4^th of July 2010.  And if I could find a street parade, I’d gladly add it to my list of celebratory plans.  How about you?  What will you be up to?  Camping?  Heading out of town?  Sta-cationing again this year?  Barbecuing with family and friends?

When Did You Last Read the Declaration of Independence?

Or, perhaps I should ask, have you ever read it in its entirety?

Americans enjoy a level of freedom not found in many parts of the world. Among these liberties are the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the right to peaceably assemble. In today’s world these liberties can easily be taken for granted.

— Bryan Jackson

If you’re like me, it’s been a while since you’ve studied U.S. History.  And I confess, I’ve mistakenly come to think of the Declaration of Independence as saying:

…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…

And of course, it does say that.  But it says a great deal more about the rationale and the struggles and the causes that compelled the American citizens of 1776 to declare themselves independent of Britain. Consider spending ten minutes of your 4th of July reading the Declaration from start to finish at EarlyAmerica.com.  It’s an interesting read.  I’m personally intrigued by this grievance against the King of England:

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

Gosh, and today is different how?

We Get to Vote

The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.

— Thomas Jefferson

I guess the difference between then and now is that we get to cast a vote – and together we decide about taxation and governance issues.  So if we don’t like what we have, we need to take responsibility for it and work to change it!

Proud to Be An American

As we in the U.S.A. celebrate our Independence Day with good times and happy gatherings, I think it’s also a good time to recall the words of John F. Kennedy:

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.

And then, as we go about our celebrations, let’s:

• Say THANK YOU to our veterans and our active duty troops!  Say it loud, say it eyeball to eyeball with hands extended in friendship and a smile on our faces.
• Appreciate the sacrifice our military and their families have made for us and our freedoms.
• Do something positive to help those military families struggling to cope with single parenting and limited incomes.
• Offer support and encouragement to our wounded warriors.

Then let us remember that the Declaration of Independence was drafted in the City of Brotherly Love and heed these words from Clarence Darrow:

You can protect your liberties in this world only by protecting the other man’s freedom. You can be free only if I am free.

And let us add these prayers to our celebrations:

• Prayers for those still fighting for freedom.
• Prayers for those who haven’t yet gained their freedoms.
• Prayers for lasting peace worldwide.

Yeah, that’s a tall order but I believe God has strong shoulders to help us with the good fight.

All in all, we U.S. citizens are very lucky to live where and when we live.  And I for one am proud to be an American.  Lee Greenwood’s lyrics swell my heart with pride for the men and women who fought and died so we could live free:

…From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there’s pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.

That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
’Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

Happy 4^th of July y’all!