Happy Independence Day to everyone!

The American Revolution had its beginning on April 19, 1775, with the battles of Lexington and Concord seeing shots fired between American colonists and British troops resulting in increased tension between the colonies and the motherland. 

These tensions escalated until the land that would become known as The United States of America saw delegates from the thirteen British claimed colonies gather in the city of Philadelphia on July 2, 1776, where they voted for independence and on July 4, 1776, adopted the Declaration of Independence in an official act by all 13 colonies as they declared independence from British rule. 

Thomas Jefferson wrote the original document that included this excerpt, “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.”

Then Benjamin Franklin and John Adams worked with him to develop a final draft that was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, however, was not signed until Aug. 2, 1776. 

John Hancock had been designated president of the Congress and he was first of 56 delegates to sign, doing so with a big, bold signature. A tradition started by that signature became known as, “Sign your John Hancock here!” 

This gathering and the action taken that day became a United States federal holiday known as July the Fourth where we celebrate The Declaration of Independence, one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. My Ol’ Daddy would say, “Those men knew God stood by their side as they laid a pathway of freedom for all to follow!” 

This year, the Fourth of July falls on a Sunday with the official holiday celebrated on Monday. Our Nation needs all patriots proclaiming our desire for continued freedom, so do your part to make this holiday a memorable one. There are those that would cancel it along with our freedoms if we are apathetic and allow this insidious threat to creep in. Our family celebrates each year at a family gathering and we make sure there will be times when we pause to say, “Thank You!” to God for the blessing of living in the Greatest Nation in the World where we can celebrate the 245th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence!

The Birth of a Nation

A strange new land far across the turbulent sea,

A fresh start for those that come,

A chance to throw off the tyrants strangling bonds,

A moment to savor freedom!

A hint of cool to a hot summer day,

The morning comes while all is quiet,

Unaware that a special meaning fills the air,

Of history wrought at dawn’s first light.

While darkness gave way to bright sunlight’s beam,

The soldier knelt by earthen mound,

To click of musket and tramping of marching feet,

And he stayed fast without a sound. 

 The peace of morn broken by musket blast,

 The sudden flare of powdered pan,

A soldier fell, the colonist lot was cast,

Revolution came to our land.

This glorious land that promised freedom’s glow,

Men of foresight that sought God’s will,

Unafraid of the tyrants strangling grip,

 They penned a plan with parchment and quill.

The tyrant’s savage attacks continue tho,

Testing America’s grit,

We stand firm and face the onslaught valiantly,

We won’t give-up and we won’t quit.

God’s strength is there to bolster freedom’s push,

For patriots that paid the price,

Our hearts swell with pride for heroes’ silent gift,

For us they made the sacrifice.

And through the ages of growing pains and trials,

Many brave patriots stood out,

As they kept America’s freedoms strong,

Their direction never in doubt.

So, we lift our prayers towards heaven’s gate,

To say thank you for our story,

One nation, under God, becomes our silent plea,

And pledge allegiance to Old Glory.

Stand tall, stand proud of this land we call our home,

True joy and love we manifest,

Celebrate the 4th of July with jubilation,

For our nation has been blessed!

Galatians 5:13-14 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Stay safe! & Have a Happy and Blessed Fourth of July!

God bless each of you and God Bless America!