Independence Day can be summed up as the day America celebrates what makes our nation exceptional — freedom. Proclaiming the annual celebratory tradition should never end, Founding Father John Adams wrote that Independence Day “will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
Adams was right. On July 4th, we commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with barbecues and fireworks, ballgames and parades. We celebrate the day that continues to inspire the world, when the freeborn men of the thirteen American colonies announced their final break with the British crown and the birth of a new nation, a land of liberty, made up of thirteen sovereign states, the United States of America.
There are many lessons to be learned. Here are two. The first is about the character of our country and the second is about its steadfastness.
Our country was born in freedom and has fought for more of it. Our civil war was our national debate on race and the result was conclusive — that all men are created equal was not simply a theory, but a fact etched in our history with American blood. We value one another and even with all of our human imperfections, we strive to follow the Golden Rule – to treat others the way we want to be treated. Unfounded accusations that America, systemically, is racist is nonsense. And, those who continue to spout out such rhetoric mean only to divide us and wreak havoc.
The second lesson is about patience and resilience.
Remember that Americans have always been responsible for their own destiny. What we dream and design is in our power to accomplish. There will be setbacks along with successes, but we have proven that our will is in the fight for freedom. What’s required of us is getting involved, having a steady demeanor, and holding true to our faith.
We have our models — from the Founding Fathers to parents across the nation who are raising the coming generation to cherish their liberty and fight for it. In a few short years, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. July 4, 2026 is sure to be a grand celebration of freedom.
