Happy Independence Day

On July 2nd 1776 the Second Continental Congress approved Richard Henry Lee’s Resolution of Independence, thus declaring the 13 Colonies free and independent of Great Britain and the Crown.

The Congress then turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence a document that the committee of five with Thomas Jefferson being the chief author had undertaken to explain the particulars and reasons for the colonies to seek independence. The Delaration after debate and amendment was then approved on July 4th 1776.

On the 3rd of July in a letter to his wife Abigail, John Adams stated:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Eventually July 4th, the date that appeared on the Declaration of Independence became recognized as the official Independence Day holiday.

Whether you feel Independence Day should be celebrated on the 2nd or the 4th, please take a moment to read and hopefully enjoy a poem I wrote to celebrate our Independence, Liberty and Freedom and the continued blessings of the Creator.

In God They Did Trust

At a time in our country, when oh so young

There were many heroes who went unsung

The people were subject to a royal tyranny

Of tariffs and taxes there were just too many

 

One starry night after dark, on a ship laden with tea

Patriots protesting the taxes, tossed the cargo into the sea

And then resolutely on one bright and sunny day

The founding fathers came forth and were heard to say

 

The Creator hath bestowed upon us unalienable rights

Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness, all deserving of a fight

All men by God, were created equal with his own hand

And these truths were held self-evident across the land

 

The bell of freedom that day did loudly ring

And was said of some, the angels came to sing

The battle for liberty waged on for many years

Over lost ones, were shed, many loving tears

 

The founders for their boldness did nobly sacrifice

Life, fortune, family, some gave twice, even thrice

The army they raised, were patriots one and all

Out of love for their freedom they answered the call

 

The summers brought mosquitoes, dysentery and blistered feet

Though wounded and hungry they fought on through the heat

The winters were harsh and their feet were cold and sore

Muskets could barely be heard through the cannons loud roar

 

Their courage, honor, and virtue was heralded by their flag

Even shedding blood, sweat and tears, their determination did not lag

The patriots fought on, for liberty’s fire did burn

In the hearts of each man and his comrades in turn

 

The Army’s General kneeled in prayer, to our Lord on high

He prayed for freedoms victory, that none in vain would die

And with courage and conviction each patriot did vow

Never again before God, to a tyrant would they bow

 

The patriots persevered and quelled the army of the king

The Freedom Bell rang and the people joyously did sing

Now the work would begin on a plan, with God’s guiding hand

To craft a government of the people to watch over the land

 

The people were free and sovereign and in as much saw

The need for a Constitution and a Republic, ruled by law

We have since that time celebrated, with “Pomp and Parade”,

“Bonfires and Illuminations”, our victory o’er tyranny’s blade

 

Lest we forget all the sacrifices that were made for our liberty

On each Independence Day, say a prayer or two, even take a knee

Thank, God, the Founding Fathers, and all of our freedom’s defenders

For our bountiful Nation and the wisdom our Constitution renders

 

Evermore in the land of the free, let there be Liberty, and Justice for all

That every man, woman and child might stand straight, proud and tall

And to those who would hide or cast, the Creator’s influence asunder

Let the historians reflect, how the patriot’s response was like thunder!

 

God Bless America and may our Freedom Bell ring on, forever!

 

By Tom Whitmore

Copyright 2010, Thomas J Whitmore

Twitter @thomasjwhitmore

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