Happy birthday, America!
By Staff
Our views
July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress in Philadelphia, made up of representatives from the 13 states that made up the United States of America, adopted the Declaration of Independence during its meeting in Philadelphia.
News traveled slower then, so it took several weeks for celebrations to spread across the country. Philadelphia held its patriotic celebration July 8. It took until July 25 for the good news to travel to Williamsburg.
Wherever the news spread, celebrations broke out. Newspaper accounts of the time report the "acclamations of the people" complete with military parades and the firing of cannons and muskets.
The news of freedom – however wonderful and mysterious – was greeted with celebration. And while the battle for liberty was far from over, the country's people celebrated the idea that freedom was within reach.
Today, some 229 years later, we still celebrate the Fourth of July. Our celebrations today often have more to do with fun, food and family rather than commemorating those early days of our country. But this Fourth of July, we challenge you to think back to those days and to those around the world who are still battling for liberty.
The Declaration of Independence says it best: "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Americans are paying a high price to spread these ideals throughout the world. The process of freedom isn't easy.
America was founded on sacrifice and there is much work left to be done.
Happy birthday, America!