Celebrating the day America became free and independent states

  • Published
  • By Steve Larsen
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing historian
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFPN) --  "The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.

"You will think me transported with enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means."

When John Adams penned these words to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776, he did not realize that the "succeeding generations" of his fellow citizens would actually celebrate July 4 as the day of national independence. He was sure they would remember the day the Congress passed Richard Henry Lee's resolution for independence rather than the one on which Congress adopted the declaration.

Pause to reflect on the Declaration of Independence and consider what the document represented to the men who wrote it.

For them, the issue itself was the need for self-determination. These founders were no longer British, but, distinctly American. The time had arrived to chart a separate course as, "free and independent states." To them, in a word, the document represented liberty.

Most Americans can call to mind one or two phrases or sentences from the document, such as, ‘all men are created equal,' or, ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' The parchment goes further than the occasional poetic turn of phrase.

Within the document's 1,322 words, the declaration makes nine specific references to freedom, independence and liberty, and lists 27 separate grievances. Each grievance represented in the view of the Continental Congress, an arbitrary, and in many respects, maleficent application of power that limited the liberty of Americans.

The document rebuked the king and parliament for acts, legislation or deeds executed without any form of debate, consultation or consent of those governed. The declaration was, therefore, a direct response on the part of Congress to inform Great Britain that America must be independent and listed the reasoning as to why.

In their view, King George III was a tyrant and, as such, "unfit to be the ruler of a free people."

This desire for liberty and the "toil, blood and treasure" it would cost was not held just by those ensconced in Independence Hall. Those in the field, the soldiers, would be the very people who contributed the "toil and blood." Their commander certainly understood this.

When George Washington received word of Congress' action on July 9 he ordered several brigades to be drawn up to hear the declaration of Congress.

In words that clearly illustrated his understanding of the magnitude of the declaration, he also stated, "The general hopes this important event will serve as a fresh incentive to every officer and soldier, to act with fidelity and courage, as knowing that now the peace and safety of his country depends (under God) solely on the success of our arms…"

Today's military carries the heritage and history of the Continental Army. Every day, Airmen serving somewhere in the world are engaged in their own struggle. They are the group now charged "to act with fidelity and courage," to maintain the foundational principles of what is the United States -- personal liberty and right to self-determination.