American-Exceptionalism-10.5x10-PRINT-10.5 DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 21
Independence Day – July 4th
Independence
Day can be summed up
as the day America celebrates what makes our
nation exceptional — freedom. Proclaiming the
annual celebratory tradition should never end,
Founding Father John Adams wrote that
Independence Day “will be the most memorable
epoch in the history of America. I am apt to
believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding
generations as the great anniversary festival. It
ought to be commemorated as the day of
deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God
Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp
and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns,
bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of
this continent to the other, from this time forward
forever more.”
Adams was right. On July 4th, we commemorate
the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration
of Independence with barbecues and fireworks,
ballgames, and parades. We celebrate the day that
continues to inspire the world when the freeborn
men of the thirteen American colonies announced
their final break with the British crown and the
birth of a new nation, a land of liberty, made up
of thirteen sovereign states, the United States
of America.
There are many lessons to be learned. Here are
two. The first is about the character of our
country, and the second is about its steadfastness.
Our country was born in freedom and has fought
for more of it. Our civil war was our national
debate on race, and the result was conclusive —
that all men are created equal was not simply a
theory, but a fact etched in our history with
American blood. We value one another, and even
with all of our human imperfections, we strive to
follow the Golden Rule — to treat others the way
we want to be treated. Unfounded accusations
that America, systemically, is racist is nonsense.
And, those who continue to spout out such
rhetoric mean only to divide us and wreak havoc.
The second lesson is about patience and resilience.
Remember that Americans have always been
responsible for their own destiny. What we dream
and design is in our power to accomplish. There
will be setbacks along with successes, but we
have proven that our will is in the fight for
freedom. What’s required of us is getting involved,
having a steady demeanor, and holding true to
our faith.
We have our role models — from the Founding
Fathers to parents across the nation who are
raising the coming generation to cherish their
liberty and fight for it. In a few short years,
America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of
the Declaration of Independence. July 4, 2026, is
sure to be a grand celebration of freedom.
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