July 4th Observations

I know I am not the first, nor the most eloquent to make these observations. I do find myself compelled to do so. Tomorrow is the fourth day of July. Much of the nation will be celebrating just that: The Fourth of July. WHY? Why is that day special?   Not because it’s the fourth day of the seventh month. Nothing to do with it. Why do stores run ‘Fourth of July Sales!’? Why do bars have ‘ July Fourth Bash Specials!’ all weekend?  Well, those are because they want some extra business.

But WHY is that date special?

Tomorrow is Independence Day. It is because of the document signed and dated for July 4, 1776 that the date is remembered. I realize this is picky and fussy, but once more we see the real historical America subsumed in consumerism and distraction. The only reason we have a nation so wealthy, so free that we can indulge in such consumerist behavior is because the men of that generation were willing to sacrifice it ALL to provide freedom. And not just for themselves.  The concluding sentence from that historic document lays out exactly what is at risk:

And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

After the conclusion of hostilities, the same men saw fit to enshrine the ideals into a concrete document, one which was meant to set out, clearly and plainly just what it was they fought for.  The preamble contains this sentence which can contrast with modern ‘me first’ attitudes:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

They are thinking, not only of themselves, but ‘Posterity’. A manner of future thinking which seems to be sorely lacking in these days of  trillion dollar deficits which will be paid for by that very posterity. We in America need to return to that mindset. We should, each and all, examine our hearts, and find that still burning spark which longs for freedom. We must nurture it back to the raging fire of Liberty. Only when Americans are once more willing to struggle for their liberties, willing to pledge their lives, fortunes and Sacred Honor.  We have become a placated people, but Americans have always been slow to rise to action, but once in action we have always been able to muster the necessary strength to meet any challenge facing us.

Perhaps it’s time to take back that ember, to fan it to flame. Start this weekend. Do not say ‘ Happy Fourth’. No, instead recall the origin of the day, the real reason to honor the date.

This weekend, this Saturday, loudly and clearly greet any and all you meet with a rousing and friendly greeting:

Happy Independence Day!

Keep The Faith!

The Rev