The Fourth of July

The sounds of fireworks, exploding and popping like gunfire in the American Revolution centuries ago, reach my ears—going off in the distance, and near at hand, the sounds of a raucus celebration. Each year, on the fourth of July, we imitate the celebrations that took place on the first day of independence, 232 years ago. Each year, we celebrate our independence anew. It was on a warm July day in 1776 that our forefathers first gave us this gift—and, in addition to renewing the celebrations, we must also honor their sacrifices in the name of independence and liberty by making our own sacrifices in the name of independence and liberty. More than celebrating, each year we must renew our commitment to our collective liberty as a nation. Each successive generation has committed themselves to, forwarded the cause and progress of, and defended—from forces within and without—this nation’s independence and freedom.

But, I am fearful that, for many, the 4th has become a mere opportunity to celebrate—or just another day—rather than anything close to reaffirming our commitment to the priniciples and goals of our founding fathers. The day is made great and beautiful and symbolic and celebratory due to the principles behind it. It is those principles which we celebrate and commit to—the principles that state 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.” It is on this fine occassion, the anniversary of our independence, upon which we, as a nation, “mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor” in the pursuit of these great principles and ideals.

Have a happy fourth of July.