Independence Day

On July 4th, 1776, the Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence and changed the course of history forever.

Fifty-six men signed their names at the bottom of a document detailing a long list of grievances they held against the crown and declaring the United States of America free and independent from Britain. Some of the names we all recognize today—like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. Others, like Lyman Hall, Caesar Rodney, and William Ellery, many of us don't recall. But, what's important to remember is every one of these men might as well have been signing their death warrant.

If captured by the British troops dispatched to quell their rebellion, they easily could have been labeled traitors, tortured, and killed for putting their name on such a bold declaration. They chose to embody Patrick Henry's call to "give me liberty, or give me death!" for they would rather die on their feet than live on their knees.

The Declaration came more than a year after the battles of Lexington and Concord shook the world. While hostilities were already well underway, the document sent a clear message: we want freedom.

That freedom didn't come free. It took another 6 years of fighting to gain independence from British rule. Thousands would give life and limb to pursue that dream of freedom—a dream that was far from guaranteed. Ultimately, their sacrifice paid off. In 1783, the British surrendered, granting independence to these United States.

Their fight for freedom birthed a nation, but it wasn't the end—only the beginning. As Ronald Reagan said, "Freedom is a fragile thing and it's never more than one generation away from extinction."

Every generation of American to come has had to fight to protect that freedom. So, this Independence Day, let's remember all those who put their lives on the line for our freedom, from our Founding Fathers to the modern-day heroes serving our country oversees right now. Without them, there wouldn't be a reason to celebrate.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves