The July Fourth holiday to mark America’s Independence is Tuesday. It is a day to commemorate the founding of our country nearly 250 years ago. For some, it may mean an extra long weekend to celebrate if Monday is included in the time off work, as is the case with the Journal-Tribune.
The new government with George Washington as President was established in 1789, but the 15 years prior to that were filled with much turmoil that included the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the war itself and creation of documents – the Constitution – with which to govern the newly founded nation. Although 1776 has traditionally been used as the year the move toward independence started, it actually began the year before with the battles of Lexington and Concord.
Oddly enough, in early 1775, the British government offered a conciliatory gesture to the 13 Colonies to avoid war. There was bitter debate in Parliament, but the House of Commons did pass the measure. Unfortunately, news of the passage didn’t reach America until one day after the fighting at Lexington and Concord, too late to have any affect on a peaceful resolution.
We mentioned before the turmoil that was experienced by the Founding Fathers and others during those years, but it is impossible to measure the amount, especially in today’s thinking. Those who signed the Declaration of Independence underscored in the last sentence, “… with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
Many of them not only made that pledge, but also in the end lost their fortunes and even their lives to ensure the creation of the United States of America. They are blamed by some for many of the problems that currently exist, but make no mistake, had it not been for their sincere efforts, there would be no USA today.
Be thankful for their patriotism and enjoy the holiday that honors them.