When I try to explain this holiday to my children they look at me like I'm speaking another language! Their frame of reference to war is the Lego Star Wars wii game they play on a regular basis, not people living in wood cabins who fought for their freedom and declared this day to represent their independence in 1776.
My children will never fully comprehend the effort, sacrifice, and loss our countrymen and women experienced to gain separation from major oppressors (at least I pray they do not). It's difficult for me to completely understand the determination and success of the amazing people involved in this triumph and to also feel their pain as they lost loved ones across the thirteen colonies.
In my humble opinion our country has swayed far away from the morals documented in the Declaration of Independence, the issues these people spilled blood over. The sense of freedom we have is taken for granted and we need to bring back the expectations of our fellow citizens that was expected by Thomas Jefferson and the other four men on the Committee who created the Declaration.
Okay, off my soapbox now!
This is a day to remember all of the soldiers who have fought for our freedom, for the freedom of others who have no voice, and for those who don't even know what freedom means. Thank you to those of you who selflessly serve our country so we can sleep a little easier at night.
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."
John Adams made this statement to his wife Abigail about July 2nd because the Declaration was completed that day. Congress revised the wording and gave its approval on July 4th.
I hope you have a wonderful day remembering the trials and triumphs the founders of this country persevered through to give us freedom.
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