04/07/2021
On July 4th, 1776 56 men were prepared to sign their names upon a document that declared themselves and this nation free and independent of British rule. That “Declaration of Independence” that we celebrate on this day stands as our symbol of freedom not because it was the end of the struggle for liberty, but because it was our defining moment as a free people. Those who crafted the Declaration (and would sign it) understood one important fact, that being they were still subjects of the British Crown.
Think about that.
Those men knew that by declaring themselves and their “nation” free they were challenging the authority of the most powerful king in Europe. They believed in the cause independence so much they were willing to lay their lives on the line for that belief.
That is the reason this day means so much to me. Today is not about the actual freedom that would come at Yorktown some five years later, it’s about being courageous enough to DECLARE your freedom before your oppressor acknowledges it. Being bold enough to live the vision before it becomes reality. And having Faith in God, from whom our freedoms come, that your receipt for liberty has already been stamped “PAID IN FULL” by our Savior in Heaven.
On July 4th, 1776 56 men were prepared to sign their names upon a document that declared themselves and this nation free and independent of British rule.
This Nation is their legacy.
Their courage is our heritage.