This Fourth of July will mark 239 years since 56 brave patriots from the original 13 colonies declared America’s independence from Great Britain. In the Declaration of Independence, American colonists recognized 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.”
The list of grievances with Britain was long and included standing armies kept among the colonies during peace time, taxes levied on the colonies without any representation in Britain, and colonists being denied trial by jury. The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, one year after the Revolutionary War first began. Ultimately, the Revolutionary War gave rise to the greatest country in the world and our continued pursuit of democracy.
Nearly one hundred years ago William Tyler Page, a descendant from a signer of the Declaration of Independence, summed up what it means to be an American with his American’s Creed. This Independence Day, amid the barbeques and fireworks, let’s take a few minutes to reflect on his words:
"I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
"I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies."
Have a safe and happy Independence Day!
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