Golly, it’s a scary time to be breathing air. World markets are panicky over the European Union. Terrorists are turning a Muslim holiday period into a terrifying time. Sharks have been scoring big numbers in the ratings. Even mosquitoes are making Olympic participants have second thoughts.
But things haven’t really changed. There have always been challenges.
It was 240 years ago today that a group of white fellas in breeches and waistcoats were facing certain death by signing their “John Hancocks” to a document that had treason written all over it. Representing the 13 colonies, they didn’t have the conveniences of jet travel, high-tech communications or even air conditioning. Why, they hardly knew each other! And some of them didn’t particularly care for the others. They came from different backgrounds with varying degrees of education and knowledge. But they shared one thing and that was the desire to be free.
And while this “declaration for independence” wasn’t a perfect statement for all human rights, it served as a foundation for eventual equality for all people.
Tonight when the fireworks dazzle the evening’s sky, remember that 240 years ago this country experienced a painful struggle with similar flashes of light. Only these were cannons giving birth to a nation that most never thought would last.
Happy Fourth of July!