Image via Wikipedia
Happy 4th of July! Today is the day Americans celebrate their independence. Why the 4th? It’s the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress, cutting ties with the British and King George III. Maybe you recognize these words?
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
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.
This document branded all who signed it as traitors, but led to the creation of the United States of America (almost 12 years later). I have to ask myself if I was in that situation, if I’d be willing to sign such a document. Below this section is a long list of grievances against the King, something that is designed to draw a reaction – and not a positive one. Could I sign something so inflammatory that would surely bring war and suffering to my friends and family? I don’t know.
I know I do thank all those who did have the strength to sign this document. And while it led to the freedom and independence I enjoy today, I wish everyone peace and joy today. To life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!
Meet an Author Monday
The blog hop has moved to Lisa Sanchez’s fabulous author page. Check out what other authors are chatting about today. Whether you’re a reader or a writer, there’s a lot of great stories out there!
Click here for the Author hop
Robin DeJarnett 