Dear Fellow Patriot,
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, the many blessings of liberty and what it means to be a free, self-governing people can be taken for granted.
This Independence Day, let’s all take a moment to remember the reasons we are free. Rereading The Declaration of Independence is a great place to start. The ideas contained in this document serve as a timeless reminder of the truths this nation and society are built on:
- that we are created equal by our Sovereign God
- that we inherently possess God-given rights like life, liberty, and private property ownership
- that we are equal before the law
- that we have a duty to seek real justice
- that government is the servant of the people
- that “We, the people,” have a duty to steward our God given rights
These are powerful ideas that define and shape us, even today.
However, when one thinks about the heritage of what it means to be an American, the very last line of the Declaration becomes of equal, if not greater importance. The document concludes, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”
For the 56 men who affixed their signatures to this document 245 years ago, these were not idle words so much as the creed by which they lived by. “12 fought in battles as members of state militias, five were captured and imprisoned during the Revolutionary War, 17 lost property as a result of British raids, and five lost their fortunes in helping fund the Continental Army and state militias battle the redcoats.” You can read more about their tremendous sacrifice here. The heritage of honor, sacrifice, and stewardship in service of these principles of liberty is one that has continued for generations.
From early servant statesman like John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, and David Crocket, to those who conquered the frontier and built our economy, to those who quietly served to better their communities, to the selfless heroism of the men and women who have defended our nation, we owe a great debt. Each generation since the American Revolution has chosen to sacrifice and steward liberty, so that posterity would have the same opportunity to enjoy and preserve it. This Independence Day, may we likewise resolve to remember this heritage of honor, faith, and sacrifice. May we also remember that like the Signers, our only hope is to rely firmly on Divine Providence, for our God Himself is the author of our liberty.
Happy Independence Day and may God continue to bless America!
The CTV Staff
