I love the 4th of July! A day filled with parades, BBQs, baseball games and fireworks. The day America celebrates freedom and independence! And once again, a time to ponder……….What does it really mean be an American? This time I decided to do a little reading as I mulled over this critical question….
Of course my thoughts turn to the men known as the “fathers” of our country. Those valiant men who stood up and fought for what they believed was right! What an undertaking! Imagine sitting around a table writing a formal explanation of why the American Colonies should be independent! Imagine building an army out of merchants and farmers and asking these brave men to take up arms against larger numbers and more skilled armies, in order to escape the rule of Great Britain.
The Revolutionary War actually started a year before the Declaration of Independence was written and signed. It was on the morning of April 19, 1775, when the first shot rang out. In 1783, eight years later, the sovereignty of the United States was truly recognized.
Did you know that Thomas Jefferson drafted most of the Declaration of Independence at the ripe old age of 33? Along with Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston, he composed the document that ulitmately severed all political ties between the United Colonies and Great Britain.
"…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…”
No wonder Jefferson was voted the best writer by the other members of the Continental Congress!!!
Another question...Have you ever wondered why George Washington did not sign the Declaration of Independence? While he was elected a member of the first Continental Congress, he was appointed as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in 1775, by the second Continental Congress. He was actually fighting in Boston when the Declaration was signed.
Of course my thoughts turn to the men known as the “fathers” of our country. Those valiant men who stood up and fought for what they believed was right! What an undertaking! Imagine sitting around a table writing a formal explanation of why the American Colonies should be independent! Imagine building an army out of merchants and farmers and asking these brave men to take up arms against larger numbers and more skilled armies, in order to escape the rule of Great Britain.
The Revolutionary War actually started a year before the Declaration of Independence was written and signed. It was on the morning of April 19, 1775, when the first shot rang out. In 1783, eight years later, the sovereignty of the United States was truly recognized.
Did you know that Thomas Jefferson drafted most of the Declaration of Independence at the ripe old age of 33? Along with Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston, he composed the document that ulitmately severed all political ties between the United Colonies and Great Britain.
"…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…”
No wonder Jefferson was voted the best writer by the other members of the Continental Congress!!!
Another question...Have you ever wondered why George Washington did not sign the Declaration of Independence? While he was elected a member of the first Continental Congress, he was appointed as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in 1775, by the second Continental Congress. He was actually fighting in Boston when the Declaration was signed.
These courageous men, willing to die for freedom, hold a special place in my heart! Their neverending devotion won us independence, granted us the right to live how we choose and ensures that our human rights will be protected! These men stood and declared that everyone counts!"...And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."
What does it mean to be a patriot-an American? To me, it means love and support of my country....national loyalty....It means to respect the flag and those serving in the armed forces....It means voicing my opinion and not being punished....It is the right to own a gun....It means I can worship the God I choose....It means that I have an obligation to instill in future generations love of country! Love your country - - Fly your flag!
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave..................
1 comments:
Thanks for your comments. Nothing helps you appreciate our country more than living in a foreign country where the "red, white and blue" is not flying overhead. We just don't realize what a wonderful country we live in until we live away from it. Love Mom
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