Independence Day

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, as the day we celebrate the release or at least the resistance from British rule any longer. 246 years ago, a group of men came together to write the first draft of the Declaration of Independence. (yes there was more than one. Thomas Jefferson composed most of it. John Hancock was the first to sign it, and signed it BIG, so King George the III would know he was part of this giant movement. 

The D of I was actually started to be signed on July 2nd, not the 4th, and all of the delegates did not finish signing it until August 2, 1776.

John Adams wrote to his wife, "This day should be celebrated with parades, fireworks and bonfires." Sound familiar? And we still do it today.

At the time in 1776, there were about 2.5 million people living in the USA, compare to today with nearly 332,916, 000 people. But even then, the word about independence spread like wildfire through all the backwoods settlements, towns and big cities. "We are tired of being taxed without representation." They were fed-up with being under King George III's thumb. But the battle was just about to begin. The colonists had to fight for that freedom they wished for. And at the time, the British was one of the strongest armies in the world. Many would die on both sides. A couple of my ancestors fought in those battles, and fortunately survived.

Sadly enough, the composers and signers of the D of I only saw a  short history of how their actions created one of the most powerful and influential countries. Thomas Jefferson died on July 4th 1826, and John Adams  both passed away on July 4th 1826. Oddly, James Monroe also passed away on July 4th, 1831. It's like the sculptors died on the day we now celebrate. Independence Day did not become a federal holiday until 1870.

Independence is not an easy thing to obtain in many parts of the world. Eventho we have independence, some believe some of our rights have been depressed or taken away. Governments are NOT perfect, nor are the leaders in government. A government is a necessary evil to maintain order and peace. But unlike 1776, we have a say to how and what our government does for us the citizens. They're called a vote, city/town meetings, and supporting your picks for office, bill or referendum. Don't waste yours.

Mark Twain once stated, "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." I think those words ring true today too. Our country is split and we have a lot of bad candidates and a few good ones. They may not be perfect, but they are better than the alternative. 

Tomorrow I and my family will be celebrating our youngest grandson on his 4th of July 11th birthday.  Have a great day to ponder your freedom and all the people who sacrificed their lives to give us that wonderful gift. God bless you all, take care and stay safe.