Remembering The Declaration

For well over 200 years we have enjoyed freedoms and liberties which have been unparalleled in the catalogue of human history. No nation, state or people have for such a length of time been afforded the protection and blessings which have been experienced under the American republic.

We often take these blessings for granted but each 4th of July affords us an opportunity to pay homage to the singularity of our nation and the unique sacrifices which our founding fathers, and generations of patriots since their day, have lain on the altar of liberty. Today we’re several months away from that day of celebration but we should find more opportunities than once a year to remind ourselves of this country’s beginning.

Our founding fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honors when they signed that Declaration of Independence. This was no idle pledge. Many lost their lives in battle. Most lost what wealth they had in the support of the war that followed their declaration. What remained universally intact was their honor.

Every day, not just on the 4th of July, we should recall the sacrifices which have provided for our freedoms. Thank those who have served in our military, actively protecting our liberty. Make your voice known to those who represent you in our government.

A friend and fellow Sigma Chi, Pat Maloney (@PatMaloney on Twitter), passed on a link to this video. It’s a clip from the HBO Miniseries, John Adams, of the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. It’s quite a moving piece.

I wish we could have a better feeling of the emotions that the colonists felt upon first hearing the Declaration. It changed their world and has made ours possible!