We recognize July 4, 1776, as the day our nation declared its independence, but for the next seven years, many lives would be sacrificed to secure liberty for the people of the United States of America.

Less than 40 years later, the nation would once again fight to maintain its sovereignty in a world fraught with battling empires. Nearly a half century would pass before the burning questions of state rights and individual freedom caused a conflagration that would forge a divided nation into a single, yet still imperfect, union.

For the next 144 years, wars fought for human rights and struggles within our nation for civil rights have indelibly marked our country and its people. But throughout it all, the spirit of independence has lit the dark places where courageous people tread, sacrificing much to ensure that liberty’s light is never extinguished.

We may recognize our independence on a single day, but we should celebrate it everyday – it is too precious and too important for just one day.


3 Comments for this entry

  • leftfield

    Yes, American independence as a nation has been very, very good to many of us.  Some continue to struggle for what should have been guaranteed them long ago; the LGBT community, for example. 

    Let’s celebrate independence and love of country, but not patriotism.  Whenever patriotism swells in this country it leads to nationalism.  And then people start dying.

    • blogbits

      I agree nationalism is a dogma all its own, but love of country, and equal rights, should extend to all the people who make up this country. Our diversity of thought, culture, ideas and all the rest of it is what has allowed us to become who we are.

  • Mike Brewer

    For eons folks  have departed  each other company on this wonderful holiday with the salutation,  Happy Fourth!  Last night just before completing my shift as a Conductor on the Old Pueblo Trolley, a rider stepped off the Trolley and turned and said “enjoy your independence.” I like that.  It is full of daily gratitude, which really supplants patriotism, and a reminder of the core meaning.
    Gratitude and loyalty are my ballyhoo for this weekend.  Semper Fi.  Mike/USMC
     

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