Celebrate Freedom

In America today is the day that we celebrate our independence.  Today was the day that the Founding Fathers put pen to paper – risking everything they had including their lives should the cause be lost – to explain why it was necessary for us to separate ourselves and be, not just a colony, but a nation unto our own. 

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

With these words, our nation was born.  The Declaration of Independence goes on to explain our grievances against the crown and government of England and it is fascinating reading.  You can read a full copy of it here.  My children don’t know it yet, but tonight we’re going to read the Declaration and then tomorrow they will work together to put it into today’s language.  I think it’s important for them to understand that Independence Day means.  Our young men and women in uniform have not fought over the years to safeguard barbeques and fireworks, but freedom.

Can you tell I’m just a bit patriotic?  Honestly, the older I get the more I realize just how special what we have in America is.  Of course, we still have problems.  We always will.  And it’s difficult to balance the needs and rights of one group of people against another but if everyone is to be free that is what we continually have to struggle to do. 

So Happy Birthday, America!  In celebration, I’m giving you the present.  Here’s a 4″x4″ quick e-card that you can send your friends.  Just type your text in the frame (over the fireworks) and off it goes, ready for you to share your feelings of pride in our country and thankfulness of our freedom with your friends.  Enjoy.

Download here.