“My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!” ~Thomas Jefferson
While visiting Boston and touring the Freedom Trail, I saw some physical evidence—lasting remnants—of the history of our country. Reading history books and learning about the sacrifices it took to bring about a revolution doesn’t compare to standing near the graves of people who lived and died there.The Declaration of Independence was approved on July 4th, 1776. It was, in fact, intended to be a long list of gripes and grievances against Britain. It made clear the demands of those who had lost property and lives to obtain liberation and rights. It was mostly about liberty and fairness. Issues like “taxation without representation” were prominent on the list.
All this can become terminally boring and irrelevant if we let it. It seems like a work of fiction from a far-off land. The fact is, it wasn’t really that long ago or far away. And it certainly isn’t fiction. Many brave people lost their considerable wealth, lost loved ones and even their own lives as they endeavored to set the standard of freedom for future generations.
As we grill burgers, watch elaborate fireworks shows and take a dip in the pool, perhaps it isn’t too much to sacrifice a moment to remember those who went before us. Share a little American Revolution trivia over the home-made ice cream. Say thank you to the God whom those brave men and women served, and who answered their prayers.
This is clearly evidenced by the many freedoms each of us enjoys every day in the United States. God Bless America! I’m humbly and deeply grateful to be one of her truly free citizens.
Are you patriotic? Do you ever stop to think about the sacrifices others have made so that you can live life as you please? What can we do to help future generations of children understand, respect and appreciate their American history and continue that legacy?
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