Editorial: Independence Day Musings

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We are getting a bit out in front on writing about Independence Day, but with good reason. Next Thursday, the day our paper is typically printed and delivered, falls on the 4th of July. With many people away for the weekend, or otherwise engaged, we decided a week off from the printed edition would be in order… especially since our printer will be closed! Our reporters will still be reporting, and stories will be added to the website and social media daily.

We want to thank everyone who has renewed their subscriptions. They will resume on July12. Your support of our community newspaper has been wonderful, and we are very grateful. Likewise, we are appreciative of all our new subscribers each week, as well as the follows and likes on social media.

Independence Day, the 4th of July, is next week. Given everything happening in our nation’s capital, we wanted to take a little time to look deeper into this holiday so we can better understand its history and meaning. What we found was interesting.

Most of us know, from our American History classes, that July 4 celebrates the day the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Second Continental Congress actually voted to approve a resolution of independence two days earlier, on July 2. It then took those two days to write the reason and messaging, explaining to the 13 original colonies why they had voted for independence.

Largely written by Thomas Jefferson, there was much debate about the wording of the document and finally included 27 grievances of the colonies against King George III. Included among them was failure for the King to pass or allow Governor’s to pass adequate laws to govern the colonies, not allow trial by jury, imposing taxes without consent, and, in general, treating those living in the colonies as second-class citizens or worse.

It is the second line of the declaration that is perhaps most famous: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It is as powerful a statement today as it was when it was written 243 years ago and has been called one of the best-known sentences in the English language.

The meaning of this passage is one that we as a nation, and as a people, often struggle to achieve. Indeed, it has come to represent the moral standard to which the United States aspires. In fact, it is the view that President Abraham Lincoln used as the basis of all of his political beliefs.

Today, we may celebrate the fireworks and BBQ’s a little more, but it is important to remember what we are celebrating, and after 243 years, that sometimes gets a little fuzzy. Fortunately, there is a wonderful community event at Town Hall to celebrate the 4th of July. There will be a flag raising and readings from the Declaration of Independence. It begins at 9 a.m. and the community is invited.

A few notable facts: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were the only signers of the Declaration of Independence who later served as President of the United States. They also died on the same day: July 4, 1826 – 50 years to the day after they signed the document.

We hope you have a safe, family-filled and fun 4th of July week. We also hope you will take a moment to remember its meaning as well as the sacrifice of so many that fought for our country’s independence over 200 years ago and those who continue to fight for it today. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is worth fighting for.

Happy Independence Day!

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