Remembering the Words Which Shaped a Nation
Tomorrow marks 249 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It will begin a yearlong celebration of the 250th (semi-quincentennial) anniversary of our nation’s founding. Many events are planned to commemorate this milestone of American history, culminating on July 4, 2026. You can visit this site, America250, to learn more and even find some events hosted in your area.
But why should we, with all our seemingly intellectual superiority, modern prowess, and technological advancements, celebrate this antiquated moment in our country’s history?
The answer is simple. This single document forever changed the course of human history. The Declaration of Independence is historically significant, as are the fifty-six intelligent, visionary, and philosophical men who signed it. It is right for us to remember their sacrifice and honor their legacy in this way.
Imagine a fledgling band of somewhat fragmented colonies standing up against what was at the time the largest and most powerful empire in the world. On its face, declaring independence from Britain appeared to be the stuff of fever dreams—a suicide pact—but it was undoubtedly a bold and courageous act. The outcome of this declaration was uncertain, and the odds of succeeding were stacked greatly against the colonies.
But what is even more remarkable is that the signers knew full well the risks they were undertaking as the Declaration of Independence ends with this profound statement, “And do for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”
These men were ready and willing to lose their lives, wealth, and reputations to fight for freedom. If the colonies had lost, they would all have been guilty of treason to the crown, and no doubt would have been publicly executed. Benjamin Franklin knew this to be true as he quipped, “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.”
The signers did not hide anonymously behind a moniker or meme on social media, as many political activists do today. They signed their names to this document as a testimony of full support. Legend has it that John Hancock, as the President of the Continental Congress, signed his name so large that anyone could read it without spectacles. Whether this story is true or not, he was not trying to hide his identity.
The founders were men of great faith. They fought for the natural rights granted by God. Also, they invoked the protection of God to guard their uncertain endeavor as expressed so eloquently by these iconic words found within the Declaration of Independence:
“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.”
Very rarely today do we see this kind of commitment and self-sacrifice from our politicians to uphold the truth. Too often, those in power are worried about offending others or enriching themselves at the expense of the truth. When that happens, we all suffer. This statement contradicts the “separation between church and state” question, as God was omnipresent at our country’s founding.
As you celebrate the 4th of July this week with family and friends, take a moment to honor and thank the courageous men who signed the Declaration of Independence so many years ago. It was through their foresight and vision that the United States of America began, and you are able to enjoy the many freedoms we have enshrined within the Constitution. It is also incumbent on us to protect and defend those freedoms (which are currently under grave attack) for future generations, as so many before us have already done.
God bless the United States of America, and may we begin to return to our roots as a country founded on the belief in and protection of God the Almighty.
Irving Berlin, a Jewish immigrant, wrote this song in 1918 while stationed at Camp Upton in Yaphank, Long Island, during World War I.
While the storm clouds gather far across the sea.
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free.
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair.
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer
God bless America, the land that I love.
Stand beside her and guide her.
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans, white with foam.
God bless America, my home sweet home.
God bless America, my home sweet home.