4th of July: Some Reflections
This weekend we celebrate the 4th of July. It’s a time when we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Of course, the signing didn’t take place exactly on the 4th (more like shuffling people in and out to sign the document over the course of two or three days). But that’s not really what’s important. What is important is that on a horribly hot and muggy day more than two centuries ago, a Declaration was signed. And the world began a change that has led us here.
I sometimes wonder what the founding fathers would think if they saw us today. We can speculate all we want, but we really don’t know. At any rate, some would doubtless think things are on the right track, and others would probably be appalled. The leaders of our nation then were just as disparate as those leading our nation today. Where there are different people, there will always be differences of opinion.
No matter their opinions, though, it is important to remember that the signers of the Declaration put their livelihoods and their lives on the line. If things didn’t work out as they had, they would have all been executed as traitors. Such a decision is not to be made lightly, and who knows how different things might be now if that decision hadn’t been made. Would other leaders have made it 20 years or 50 years later? Would we have made it today? Perhaps.
Anyway, during this time of celebration and fireworks and burgers, I hope that you take a minute to reflect on the Declaration of Independence, our founding fathers, and what we can all do today to be better citizens. And perhaps you will do so while enjoying this stirring rendition of the United States Marine Band playing our national anthem.
Happy 4th of July!
July 8th, 2009 at 4:20 am
[…] 4th of July: Some Reflections This weekend we celebrate the 4th of July. It’s a time when we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Of course, the signing didn’t take place exactly on the 4th (more like shuffling people in and out to sign the document over the course of two or three days). But that’s not really […] […]
July 15th, 2009 at 11:20 am
[…] 4th of July: Some Reflections This weekend we celebrate the 4th of July. It’s a time when we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Of course, the signing didn’t take place exactly on the 4th (more like shuffling people in and out to sign the document over the course of two or three days). But that’s not really […] […]