Independent*

* Not governed by a foreign power; self-governing. Free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or others; self-reliant: an independent mind. Not determined or influenced by someone or something else; not contingent: a decision independent of the outcome of the study.

Who: the Second Continental Congress
What: the Declaration of Independence
Where: Philadelphia
When: July 4, 1776
Why: to declare the Thirteen colonies "Free and Independent States... Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown" of King George III.

"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."

In 1778, General George Washington marked the Fourth of July with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute.

When Benjamin Franklin said, upon signing the Declaration of Independence, "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately," it was no less than the literal truth.

As we celebrate the 4th of July, this nation needs more than ever to "hang together", and let us remember those who are giving the ultimate sacrifice to bring independence to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan that also deserve to be free from tyranny and oppression. May God bless all of them and watch over them in their endeavors. Amen.





And "Let Freedom Ring" !!!

Martina McBride