What Independence Day Means to Me

“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…” 

So begins the greatest document in America’s history.  With these words, our founding fathers publicly took on the world’s superpower of the time.  It had to have been frightening for the 56 men who signed the Declaration.  Yet they did it because they believed in freedom.

We’ve all read the emails about the price the signers paid.  The snopes.com edited version reveals that five signers were captured as POWs by the British during the War.  Another had two of his sons captured.  One of the signers lost his son who was killed in action. Twelve of the signers had their homes ransacked and burned. 

Today, we enjoy freedom, a high standard of living, and the security that comes with being the only World Superpower because of the actions of these people and many others who over the years pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor.

Let’s enjoy the holiday, and be thankful for those who sacrificed so much so that we can.