Each year we, and I mean everyone born in the United States of America, celebrate our independence on the 4th of July to commemorate our separation from England and a tyrannical king. Most people know that, but why we celebrate the Declaration of Independence and why it’s so important they may not know. Here is my interpretation of the phrases below…
“We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal”
Many people today still have a hang up with this statement because it was written during the time when slavery was in full force. Even Thomas Jefferson owned hundreds of slaves as did many of the other signers. Yet, they could not deny this phrase its rightful place in the document. Also it is largely due to this declaration that the emancipation of the slaves came to be and later, they too were given the right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
“that they are endowed by their Creator”
The forefathers believed in God as the creator and in a supreme being having more than just a “say” in how the government should be run. They knew without a doubt that God had intended men to be free. It’s sad to think that so many Americans have lost their way and that government has been separated from any spiritual guidance. But never lose hope.
“with certain unalienable Rights…”
As the forefathers prepared and adopted this declaration they knew that our rights came directly from God and no man or form of government could ever take those away. Government was only put into place to protect those rights.
So why do we celebrate the Declaration of Independence?
We celebrate it because it is symbolic of the courage of those 56 men when they signed a document considered an act of treason against the British King.
We celebrate this declaration because on the 4th of July, it was adopted and gave birth to a new nation, our nation, a free and independent nation from oppressive rule and tyranny.
Share this with your friends and family this 4th of July!
