Today we celebrate America’s birthday – a country that has become the symbol of freedom throughout the world.
A free nation did not just happen. The early colonists had to struggle and work hard for our freedom. In the late 1770’s our Founding Fathers rose to fight against being oppressed by another government. They wanted the right, among others, to worship as they pleased, to express their thoughts, have freedom of the press, the right to assemble, the right to bear arms.
Thomas Jefferson wrote a first draft of a paper declaring the rights of free people. This document was later revised and signed by 56 brave men in 1776.
These 56 signers of our Declaration of Independence risked everything when they signed the document stating, “We herewith pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor”. They knew that by signing this document they could be captured as traitors.
Men and women continue to make sacrifices and risk their lives for our independence and our rights. So today, let’s remember the many people who have suffered and died in order to keep our country safe and free. Long may it live.
God bless America.
