“Find a moment, just a simple moment, to close your eyes and think of the men and women who protect the freedoms you enjoy. It’s a privilege, not a right.” - Matthew Lillard The Second Continental Congress founding father delegates announced that all the thirteen colonies were no longer under the rule of King George III of Britain. On the 2nd of July 1776, Congress approved the Lee Resolution. Two days later, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted. Some of the Americans began celebrating their freedom that very year, while others waited ‘til the next year. However, this celebration was not widespread.
Three decades later, after dealing with Britain interfering in trade, Americans wanting to expand their settlement, and Americans wanting to completely end the British influence in the North, America declared war against the United Kingdom.
“This nation will remain the land go the free only so long as it is home of the brave.” - Elmer Davis After two years, the war ended in a draw. On the 24th of December 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed. This resulted in Great Britain giving up the claims to the Northwest Territory and both countries working toward ending slave trade.
When this war ended, Independence Day was celebrated by many more.
“Too many of us view liberty as something the ‘just is,’ and too few see it as something that ‘is’ only because someone, somewhere was faced with the formidable reality that to keep liberty meant paying a stiff price.” - Craig D. Lounsbrough The 4th of July was made a federal holiday by the U.S. Congress in 1870.
Since 1776, fireworks have been used on Independence Day, signifying national pride and patriotism.
“Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better.” - Albert Camus So, let’s all remember that our freedom came at a price which is still being paid today. We have troops around the world constantly protecting our country.
So, let’s thank God for all the men and women who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice their lives for our freedom.
Now, most people celebrate the 4th of July by going to or participating in parades, watching fireworks, or having barbecues with family and friends.
Every year we have a big fourth of July party with family and friends. We watch the fireworks and do many of our own.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1