Independence Day
Remembering those from whom has come the privilege and the right of Liberty, and what it means to carry on its tradition and legacy.
With a fun time having been had by all over this past celebratory anniversary of our united Nation of States declaring their independence and officially effecting severance from Great Britain, it is worthwhile to pause for a moment, and consider just how very frightening the times really were in the 1700s. Though we celebrate July 4th as a holiday now, when the Declaration of Independence was actually signed on July 4th, 1776, there was no celebration or fanfare. It was in fact, a very somber moment in history, and the mood was anything but festive. The American Colonies found themselves attacked by the very army that was duty bound to protect them, and oppressed by the very government that was obligated to acknowledge and respect their rights as citizens and human beings. Yet the fact remained that the British government had proceeded to over-reach its authority as an institution for the people of Great Britain. Britain had become a tyranny.
As a result, the Colonies and their chosen leaders had a most momentous and grave decision before them. Would they submit to a life dominated, suppressed, and controlled by a tyrannical and selfish government that was run by an established Aristocracy separated from the common citizens whom they governed as mere subjects, pawns to be used, sacrificed and discarded at will? Or would they fight for a life lived in freedom, liberated from the heavy burdens of tyranny, free to worship God according to the dictates of conscience alone, and free to pursue the sweet dreams of prosperity, limited only by the creativity of imagination?
Clearly, and most thankfully, the Founders chose to fight for the freedom that they knew would, by the grace of God, prove a blessing to their fellow countrymen and eventually the world. They knew then what we are realizing now, that liberty is an essential element, though not the sole one, of human happiness. The right to liberty is God given, but the responsibility of the maintenance and stewardship of it, won by and passed down from the Founders, is not. This noble duty and heirloom honor falls to us, the sons and daughters of Liberty.
As we memorialize and celebrate the day that marks not only a significant moment in the history of these United States, but in the history of the world as well, let us reflect and remember our duties as stewards of freedom and as proud and patriotic citizens of the republic.
However, duties are never done, and in the present century, it appears that again our freedom is endangered. The political armies of tyranny now dominate our government, dismantling its system, defiling is purpose, abusing its power, and again violating those ancient but precious principles of human nature upon which we are founded, and for which our forefathers fought, toiled, and died for. If these principles were deemed worthy of the precious blood of patriots in the hour of our forefathers, who faced the same powerful forces of tyranny we now also face, then it is presently a far nobler cause towards which we strive, for it is not solely our liberty at stake, but also the liberty of the world.
In the present moment, the parts of the world that have not fallen utterly and completely to the forces and rule of tyranny, Communism at the moment, are now in such a state that it is practically impossible for them to rid themselves of the catastrophic calamity of tyranny, and the United States are by no means unimperiled. We now find ourselves in a most solemn hour [i]. The time has once more come for the citizens of this great nation to make a second grave and significant decision. What life will we submit to?
Though there are some who are doubtful regarding the positivity of the outcome of this grotesque encroachment on the lives and rights of the American Citizenry, the author has every confidence that though the foe is strong and his armies vast, the sons and daughters of liberty will awaken, arise and step forth, with a mighty trust in Almighty God and a firm reliance upon Divine Providence, and crush the political forces of tyranny in this war of ideas and power, to effect the restoration of the new world, and “the rescue and the liberation of the old[ii]”. May the hopes and the dreams of the oppressed peoples around the world, that reside with us, serve as the spark that ignites the fire in the torch of freedom, and may the Peace and Power of God abide with us as we embark on this noblest of missions.
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Abraham Lincoln - November 19, 1863
With a fun time having been had by all over this past celebratory anniversary of our united Nation of States declaring their independence and officially effecting severance from Great Britain, it is worthwhile to pause for a moment, and consider just how very frightening the times really were in the 1700s. Though we celebrate July 4th as a holiday now, when the Declaration of Independence was actually signed on July 4th, 1776, there was no celebration or fanfare. It was in fact, a very somber moment in history, and the mood was anything but festive. The American Colonies found themselves attacked by the very army that was duty bound to protect them, and oppressed by the very government that was obligated to acknowledge and respect their rights as citizens and human beings. Yet the fact remained that the British government had proceeded to over-reach its authority as an institution for the people of Great Britain. Britain had become a tyranny.
As a result, the Colonies and their chosen leaders had a most momentous and grave decision before them. Would they submit to a life dominated, suppressed, and controlled by a tyrannical and selfish government that was run by an established Aristocracy separated from the common citizens whom they governed as mere subjects, pawns to be used, sacrificed and discarded at will? Or would they fight for a life lived in freedom, liberated from the heavy burdens of tyranny, free to worship God according to the dictates of conscience alone, and free to pursue the sweet dreams of prosperity, limited only by the creativity of imagination?
Clearly, and most thankfully, the Founders chose to fight for the freedom that they knew would, by the grace of God, prove a blessing to their fellow countrymen and eventually the world. They knew then what we are realizing now, that liberty is an essential element, though not the sole one, of human happiness. The right to liberty is God given, but the responsibility of the maintenance and stewardship of it, won by and passed down from the Founders, is not. This noble duty and heirloom honor falls to us, the sons and daughters of Liberty.
As we memorialize and celebrate the day that marks not only a significant moment in the history of these United States, but in the history of the world as well, let us reflect and remember our duties as stewards of freedom and as proud and patriotic citizens of the republic.
However, duties are never done, and in the present century, it appears that again our freedom is endangered. The political armies of tyranny now dominate our government, dismantling its system, defiling is purpose, abusing its power, and again violating those ancient but precious principles of human nature upon which we are founded, and for which our forefathers fought, toiled, and died for. If these principles were deemed worthy of the precious blood of patriots in the hour of our forefathers, who faced the same powerful forces of tyranny we now also face, then it is presently a far nobler cause towards which we strive, for it is not solely our liberty at stake, but also the liberty of the world.
In the present moment, the parts of the world that have not fallen utterly and completely to the forces and rule of tyranny, Communism at the moment, are now in such a state that it is practically impossible for them to rid themselves of the catastrophic calamity of tyranny, and the United States are by no means unimperiled. We now find ourselves in a most solemn hour [i]. The time has once more come for the citizens of this great nation to make a second grave and significant decision. What life will we submit to?
Though there are some who are doubtful regarding the positivity of the outcome of this grotesque encroachment on the lives and rights of the American Citizenry, the author has every confidence that though the foe is strong and his armies vast, the sons and daughters of liberty will awaken, arise and step forth, with a mighty trust in Almighty God and a firm reliance upon Divine Providence, and crush the political forces of tyranny in this war of ideas and power, to effect the restoration of the new world, and “the rescue and the liberation of the old[ii]”. May the hopes and the dreams of the oppressed peoples around the world, that reside with us, serve as the spark that ignites the fire in the torch of freedom, and may the Peace and Power of God abide with us as we embark on this noblest of missions.
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Abraham Lincoln - November 19, 1863
Note from the Author
Greetings reader, it is my humble hope that you enjoyed the article above. However, let me clarify some things here that may be misinterpreted.
Through the publication of this article, and the many coming articles I plan to write by the grace of God, I DO NOT and AM NOT advocating for violence against any one person or group of people, Democrats, Liberals, Republicans, etc., or the government in any form or fashion. This is not the American way, and certainly not a legitimate manner for the proceedings of daily life.
Also, please bear in mind that this literary work is one that represents my opinion in regard to the present political state that we as citizens now face.
Finally, I am merely a young writer, whose experience and talent is yet still developing. Should there be any critiques and or suggestions regarding style, as well as ideas regarding future content, or questions as well, please return Mr. Cooper’s email with that information, and he will then relay it to me.
Most Sincerely,
Michael Bowen
About the author
Having been raised on his family’s beef farm and educated as a homeschool student, Michael has been blessed with many opportunities to explore a wide array of interests. He enjoys the study of History and Politics, as well as the study of English. He is also a National Champion in Sailboat racing, an avid Baseball fan, and a passionate traveler. He is a dedicated Christian, faithful to his family, and loyal to his Country.
Greetings reader, it is my humble hope that you enjoyed the article above. However, let me clarify some things here that may be misinterpreted.
Through the publication of this article, and the many coming articles I plan to write by the grace of God, I DO NOT and AM NOT advocating for violence against any one person or group of people, Democrats, Liberals, Republicans, etc., or the government in any form or fashion. This is not the American way, and certainly not a legitimate manner for the proceedings of daily life.
Also, please bear in mind that this literary work is one that represents my opinion in regard to the present political state that we as citizens now face.
Finally, I am merely a young writer, whose experience and talent is yet still developing. Should there be any critiques and or suggestions regarding style, as well as ideas regarding future content, or questions as well, please return Mr. Cooper’s email with that information, and he will then relay it to me.
Most Sincerely,
Michael Bowen
About the author
Having been raised on his family’s beef farm and educated as a homeschool student, Michael has been blessed with many opportunities to explore a wide array of interests. He enjoys the study of History and Politics, as well as the study of English. He is also a National Champion in Sailboat racing, an avid Baseball fan, and a passionate traveler. He is a dedicated Christian, faithful to his family, and loyal to his Country.
Source Acknowledgement
Here, I would like to acknowledge the following sources for the information that I have written.
Churchill, Winston. “Churchill's Speech: ‘We Shall Never Surrender.’”
www.thegrenadierguards.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Churchills-We-shall-never-surrender-speech.pdf#:~:text=Churchill%E2%80%99s%20speech%3A%20%E2%80%98We%20shall%20never%20surrender%E2%80%99%20Delivered%20to,seemed%20about%20to%20perish%20upon%20the%20field%20or.
Hillsdale College Online Courses:
Constitution 101: The Meaning and History of the Constitution
Introduction to the Constitution
Winston Churchill and Statesmanship
The Declaration of Independence
The 1776 Report. The President's Advisory 1776 Commission, 2021.
Skousen, W. Cleon. The 5000 Year Leap: a Miracle That Changed the World. National Center for Constitutional Studies, 2013.
Here, I would like to acknowledge the following sources for the information that I have written.
Churchill, Winston. “Churchill's Speech: ‘We Shall Never Surrender.’”
www.thegrenadierguards.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Churchills-We-shall-never-surrender-speech.pdf#:~:text=Churchill%E2%80%99s%20speech%3A%20%E2%80%98We%20shall%20never%20surrender%E2%80%99%20Delivered%20to,seemed%20about%20to%20perish%20upon%20the%20field%20or.
Hillsdale College Online Courses:
Constitution 101: The Meaning and History of the Constitution
Introduction to the Constitution
Winston Churchill and Statesmanship
The Declaration of Independence
The 1776 Report. The President's Advisory 1776 Commission, 2021.
Skousen, W. Cleon. The 5000 Year Leap: a Miracle That Changed the World. National Center for Constitutional Studies, 2013.