An Immediate Challenge to Every American

The signers of the Declaration of Independence would be heartbroken to say the least if they saw how we celebrate this holiday today. Not because of the fireworks, or barbecues, or family get-togethers but because of the way we so apathetically take for granted the historical reason we have this holiday in the first place.

I’m sure they would want us to enjoy the fireworks, the barbecues and get-togethers but also to truly celebrate and pass on what the Fourth of July/Independence Day was, is and means for our future.

What is it that makes us hesitant to do so? Perhaps we are afraid to be that odd one of the family that everyone will roll their eyes about when they speak up about the historical meaning of the day. Well, I think it is time to stand up and take that role if that is what it is going to take. It is a small price to pay.

Think of it. Those brave men, knowing their very lives were at stake by even signing their name to that piece of paper, concluded with these powerful and profound words;

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

Do you really think it is too much to ask to take a few moments during your weekend to reflect on their sacrifice? And would you be willing to sacrifice all you had, including your life for freedom? Look around you, it isn’t really all that far fetched if you get your head out of the sand and really start paying attention to what is going on.

We owe the divine Providence the freedom we have because of those men having the courage to pledge to each other their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.

Let us not simply pay lip service to their legacies. But each holiday has a history and while I love traditions I think it is long over due to add one more tradition in order to keep the reality and sheer humbling history that led, in this case, to our Republic, the United States of America. We assume will always be there, but the truth is, it wasn’t always there and it can be lost if we don’t protect it.

How do we protect it? It isn’t by trusting the media to do our work for us. It isn’t by abusing our freedoms. It certainly isn’t by pledging our allegiance to a political party or candidate.

We do it daily by working hard, staying informed, speaking out, getting involved, not allowing a government that works for you to think you work for them, helping teach our children about our history and to understand the true meaning of our founding and our founding documents. And go to the original sources; don’t just take someone else’s word for it. These things are far too important and we have a duty, a responsibility to each generation to pass on the truth.

Do these things really seem all that much of a sacrifice? And if we continue to remain apathetic, we will be rendering this statement, their sacrifices, and those of all the men and women that came after them to protect our Republic...meaningless.

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

Maybe this Independence Day is a good time to start reading the Declaration of Independence to your family and thinking of those who gave all they had for your freedom. You might even take a moment to truly reflect on your willingness to do what they did if you were in their position.

Would you pledge your life, your fortune and your sacred honor for freedom? A day, perhaps sooner than later, may come when you or your children are asked to answer that very question.