Why do we celebrate Independence Day?

North America or the Newfoundland was discovered in 1492 and colonists from Spain, France, Holland, and Russia began to colonize it. It was not until the late 1580s that England began to colonize the Newfoundland, which included two types of groups. Those that wanted to further English dominance around the world and those that were searching for freedom from the Church of England (they wanted freedom of Religion). For the next 200 years the English colonies would slowly become disenfranchised with the motherland (England) and in the early 1700s England would start imposing exorbitant rules, taxes, and tariffs upon the colonies in an effort to reestablish the Crown’s supremacy. In response to this the colonists revolted ushering in the Revolutionary War in 1775.

It was on June 7, 1776 at the Continental Congress that the delegate from Virginia, Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion for the colonies to declare independence from England, but it was tabled for further discussion. A power house team was put together of five delegates whose duty was to write a formal statement to justify a break from England. These five men were; Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Benjamin Franklin. The Continental Congress reconvened on July 2, 1776 and voted unanimously to leave English rule and declare independence. Two days later on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the ‘Declaration of Independence,’ which was mostly written by Thomas Jefferson, and is the founding document for the United States of America.

Thirteen Years later Congress adopted the ‘Constitution’ as the governing document for the newly established nation. And 2 years later they adopted the ‘Bill of Rights’ as amendments to the Constitution as an act to preserve the freedoms of the newly formed Republic. These freedoms afforded to us through the adoption of these documents, gives every American freedom. These include; freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom to peaceably assemble against grievances. We must never forget the freedoms that we have or the privilege and blessings that we have with the opportunity we have been given to live in this free nation.

As you go about this Independence Day remember those who have died preserving these freedoms, remember those who currently serve protecting our freedoms, and remember the God who has blessed us with the opportunity to live in a nation were we are free. In the midst of the fireworks, parades, cookouts, and family get togethers this July 4th, please keep in mind that this day represents our declaration of independence from tyranny, our pursuit of freedom, and the birth of the United states of America. Blessing to each of you and happy ‘Independence Day.’

May God continue to bless the United States of America!