Let us celebrate our Independence

235 years ago today, John Hancock set quill to a piece of parchment which contained some of the most inflammatory words the British crown might ever read, The Declaration of Independence. Hancock, who was a true patriot to the American Revolution, and whose signature is the most famous and most recognizable of all the signatures, shouted out victoriously as he signed, "There, I guess King George will be able to read that!" 55 more men, including two future presidents, from all 13 colonies immediately followed suit, affixing their own names upon this single piece of parchment.

One of those future presidents was Thomas Jefferson, who was the primary author of the document. Shortly before he died, Jefferson told his closest friend, James Madison, that there were two things he wished to be remembered for, one of which was writing the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826 - exactly 50 years after the birth of his beloved nation.

Those who won our independence for us believed that liberty was the secret of happiness and that courage was the secret of liberty. By signing the Declaration, these 56 men were committing high treason to the crown of England, a crime punishable by death. Five of them were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died, twelve had their homes ransacked and burned, four lost their sons, and nine fought and died in the revolutionary war. By signing the Declaration, these 56 men pledged their lives so that future generations may live free.

A lot has happened in the 235 years since we were born. We've had 44 presidents, fought a civil war, and added 37 more stars to our flag. We truly are one nation, though some would prefer we not be "under God". That is their right I suppose, but I certainly don't agree with them. God truly has blessed this country, and while we have been through some very hard times economically and environmentally, I believe God still smiles down upon the United States of America, and that is what makes America the greatest country on earth.