Independence Day Message

Independence Day, more commonly known as the 4th of July, is celebrated this weekend and it is the national holiday marking the birthday of the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which took place on July 4, 1776, and declared the United States independence from Great Britain. This year is a milestone because it marks 250 years since the founding of our country.

The legal separation of the original Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by the Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, and finally approved it on July 4, 1776.

Fifty-six delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia signed the United States Declaration of Independence, announcing that the thirteen American Colonies, which were at war with Great Britain, were now independent states, and thus no longer a part of the British Empire. Although the wording of the Declaration was approved by Congress on July 4, the date of its signing has been disputed. Some historians have stated that it was signed nearly a month after its adoption, on August 2, 1776, and not on July 4 as is commonly believed. Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams however, all wrote that the Declaration had been signed by Congress on July 4, 1776. Furthermore, the Journals of Congress, the official public record of the Continental Congress, also supports the July 4 signing.

The most famous signature on the Declaration of Independence is that of John Hancock. John Hancock was never president of the United States but he was President of Congress and was the first to sign the Declaration. Hancock's large, flamboyant signature became iconic, and the name "John Hancock" emerged in the United States as an informal synonym for the word "signature".

The United States of America is undoubtedly the greatest country in the world. Of course, this is the opinion of people who live in this country. Certainly, we are not without our problems. There are many problems, especially political ones, that we currently face, but they are problems that we, as the people of this country, can indeed solve as we come to an understanding, not through angry shouting at each other and violence, but through mature discussion and mutual respect and consideration for one another.

This country was founded on traditional Judeo-Christian ideals, with God as its very foundation. We must always keep that in mind. When we mistakenly think that we can do things all on our own, and leave God out of the picture, it's then we find ourselves sinking and struggling to keep our heads above water.

As we observe Independence Day again, let us be reminded that we are "one nation under God". Let us remember to always pray for our country. Without the light and grace of God, we can lose our way very quickly. As we sing the beautiful hymn America the Beautiful, let us pay particular attention to the last few words of the second stanza:

America! America, God mend thine every flaw, confirm thy soul in self control, thy liberty in law*.

This Independence Day let us indeed celebrate this great country of ours. Let us be grateful for the wonderful gift from God that it is. Let us always be thankful and appreciate the many people that worked so hard to make this country what it is. Let us be mindful to take care of this blessing each and everyday as we live in this great "land of the free and the home of the brave".

Happy Independence Day, everyone!