Independence Day

Today is the 229th anniversary of the founding of these united States.

"Yesterday, the greatest Question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps, never was nor will be decided among Men. A Resolution was passed without one dissenting Colony, 'that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, and as such they have, and of Right ought to have, full power to make War, conclude Peace, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which other States may rightfully do.'" --John Adams to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776

Regarding Independence Day:

"We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom alone men ought to be obedient." --Samuel Adams

Founder Benjamin Rush recalled Independence Day 1776: "Do you recollect the pensive and awful silence which pervaded the House when we were called up, one after another, to the table of the President of Congress [John Hancock] to subscribe what was believed by many at that time to be our own death warrants?" He lamented, on the 35th independence celebration, "scarcely a word was said of the solicitude and labors and fears and sorrows and sleeplessness nights of the men who projected, proposed, defended, and subscribed [signed] the Declaration of Independence." (emphasis added)

The Declaration lays the framework for the break with the throne. It provides in the first paragraph and a half a definition of human rights, what makes them unalienable, and the purpose for government tied to those rights. The document then lists the "abuses and usurpations" by the King. In conclusion, the Founders declared their right to be independent.

As you celebrate this Independence Day, reflect, not just on our liberty, but the basis of that liberty, the vision the Founders were truly putting their lives on the line for, and the men and women through these 229 years who have fought, sacrificed, and died for that vision.

For more information, see these links at the National Archives and Records Administration:

Transcription of the Declaration:
http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/charters/declaration_transcript.html

Main page for the Declaration of Independence, which provides background information, history, high-resolution images:
http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration/declaration.html

Making of the Charters: "A New World Is AT Hand" exhibit:
http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/charters/charters.html