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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