Wednesday, July 03, 2013

Independence Day

Signing of the Declaration of Independence

       The citizens of the United States have unknowingly done themselves a disservice in calling one of our Nation’s greatest holidays by the date. As Independence Day approaches so many of us will be going to 4th of July BBQs and parties, gathering fireworks and celebrating with family and it’s these pieces of the Independence Day holiday that really makes it exciting for me. I love the smell of BBQ and watching fireworks light up the night sky. It is something that is uniquely American and I’m proud to celebrate that tradition yearly.       
      With so many activities and events it’s tough to stop and remember what happened on July 4th 1776, 237 years ago. Our founding fathers, after months of deliberation and struggle argued and debated over the proper course of action in response to the tyrannical actions of King George. Despite some thoughts of uncertainty and even some who wanted nothing to do with it the Declaration of Independence was signed giving us power and freedom from the hands of a tyrannical and oppressive government. We were free to dictate our own lives according to our own desires and not those of a king thousands of miles away. It is not just the 4th of July, it is our Independence Day.
       The great Battle of Gettysburg coincidentally occurred over the week of the 4th of July in 1863. It took the lives of thousands of American soldiers and each side felt the weight of the loss. So much so that President Lincoln himself visited the site and offered one of his greatest speeches ever starting, “Fourscore and eighty years ago…” Annually the city of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania hosts the Civil War battle reenactment of Gettysburg. This year I have been so lucky as to be stationed a few hours away from the site of that battle and have bought tickets to observe the action.
Battle of Gettysburg

       With that great speech given by our greatest President present in my mind I humbly think of the actions of thousands of men who have preserved that freedom through their actions; even unto death. Many may believe the confederate soldiers have no place to be honored because they rebelled against their country and on the opposite side there are those who claim that the aggression of the North was too great not to act. Regardless of the initial reasons for the battles each side of the American Civil War viciously fought for their freedom.
       Each battle fought under the banner of this great nation has been for the purpose of freedom. Not every battle fought with our nation’s ensign was fought solely for the freedom of Americans. In some cases we have selflessly acted for the benefit of others. I’m not ignorant that there are often underlying political reasons behind these actions but the truth remains that we offer freedom to those around us if they but ask for it.
       The greatest gift that can be given is for a person to give up their life for another. Throughout the years and during the numerous battles and wars our soldiers, marines and sailors have given up their lives in defense of something greater than themselves. This Independence I intend to do more than just enjoy the smell of BBQ and watch the fireworks. As I sit and watch the reenactment of thousands of men giving their lives for our freedom I will be thinking of what kind of a nation we live in.

       For me it is a nation of heroes and not one full of people selfishly working towards them only. I see a community of brethren united together for a common purpose; the purpose of freedom. We might not see eye to eye on religion or politics but we can all agree that freedom is the greatest export of this country and one that we should hold dear to our hearts. God bless the United States and long live the American Dream!