Happy Independence Day America

Posted: Friday, July 04, 2008 by Travis Cody in
29


On 4 July 1776, our Delcaration of Independence was published. It begins with a statment of intent to the world, followed by the words we all learned as children, "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 to 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. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security.


The document ends with this clear belief in the right to liberty...

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.


Do yourself a favor sometime today. Read the whole text, which can be found here. This is the embodiment of our national identity. I read this document every year on this day.

It is my document, written for me by men like me who felt as I do. Across the years I remember that they set in motion the events that let me live a free life. It is not a perfect life, nor is this a perfect country. But it is my country, and this is my document, and this is my freedom and my liberty.

I wish you a wonderful Independence Day.

29 comments:

  1. Marsha says:

    Happy Independence Day to you too!! Hope you and Pam have a great weekend!

  1. Barb says:

    Happy Independence Day, Trav! Well said!

  1. DrillerAA says:

    Wonderful post Trav.
    Have a great Independence Day.

  1. Lisa Ryan says:

    Have a wonderful, safe holiday weekend!

  1. I hope you have a great day Trav, I love you post.

  1. Jeni says:

    Great post for a Great Day!
    Peace.

  1. Great Post!
    Happy Independence Day!
    from all the Purries at
    Purrchance To Dream
    and Mo, too!

  1. this Spring in DC I was able to see the Declaration in person. It was amazing to look at it and think about what it means in my life.

    Happy Independence Day !

  1. trav we do this too! pass it around and each read parts... brilliant document.

    smiles, bee
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  1. Just beautiful. I got chills reading the snippet you placed here. I will take some time and read the rest today. Great idea. Great tradition.

    Happy 4th of July to you, Pam, and Mr. Tucker.

  1. It is worth a read by all... A brilliant document that I cherish

    Happy Independence Day my very special friend!

    Enjoy the weekend with Pam and your crew!

  1. Happy 4th to you and yours.

  1. Anonymous says:

    Great post, Trav. Hope you have a wonderful day.

  1. Akelamalu says:

    Well said Trav!

    Happy 4th July to you and your family.

    I did a historical 55 today to do with freedom too!

  1. Anonymous says:

    Happy Independence Day!

    I study part of text when I was at school and I agree, it's beautiful and hopeful. Americans should remember it... not use it to their benefits.

  1. Trav, I hope that you and Pam are haveing a great weekend. I know I am. Big Time Hugs and God's love and Blessings headed your way! That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

  1. Linda says:

    Happy Independence Day to you, Travis, and thank you for this wonderful post reminding us of just what it is we are celebrating today!

  1. Meribah says:

    Happy Independence Day, Trav! Yup, the D of I is definitely an important document that has changed many lives, both in America and other countries. After all, without the formation of the U.S.A, this would be a different world, yes? Anyway, hope you and Pam have a wonderful day. Hugs! :)

  1. Anonymous says:

    Happy Independence day, Trav!

  1. Julie says:

    Very good dear man! You're patriotism shines clear over here!

  1. Jan says:

    Happy 4th to you, Travis!

  1. Jeff B says:

    That document is as relevent today as it was the day it was penned.

    Hope you had a great Independence Day.

  1. Chicklet says:

    Happy 4th of July Uncle Travis!

  1. Liz Hill says:

    I hope you are having a wonderful weekend with your lovely lady.

  1. Anndi says:

    Hope your celebratory weekend rocks!

  1. Thank you Travis! I appreciate reading the Declaration of Independence every once in a while to remind me that a small handful of men put it all together so that I could live in the greatest country in the world. Have you seen that mini-series based on David McCullough's book John Adams? Paul Giammatti stars as John Adams. It is an incredible series! :)

  1. Patti says:

    This is a great post, Travis. We should always remember the meaning of the holiday. I hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July ~

    P.S. I just loved that video of the scuba-diving kitty

  1. Janna says:

    I hope your weekend was full of tacos, freedom, and a complete lack of embarrassing firework accidents.

  1. Unknown says:

    I hope you had a wonderful and safe holiday friend. *smackies*