A Celebration Of Freedom

 “Don’t blow your finger off.”

For many decades that’s been advice typically said in jive at this time of the year.

Yet it really is a legitimate concern as children and young at heart are excitedly lighting firecrackers and other fireworks.

Without exception every year there are major body injuries even fatalities from carelessness with the explosives.

Interesting how big a thrill so many people get from fireworks both setting them off and watching colorful night shows.

It was exciting and profitable operating a fireworks stand six decades ago in the grocery store window corner. 

That opinion has completely changed these days such that those noisy fiery pyrotechnics seem like a hazardous waste. So many dollars just go up in smoke when they could be put toward many other worthwhile endeavors.

Reason for celebration is still most important although many people don’t even realize what it’s really all about.

Yes, the Fourth of July is a federal holiday for family reunions, parades, picnics, concerts and obviously plenty of fireworks.

However, it’s really Independence Day although seldom called that anymore. The Declaration of Independence of the United States was signed on July 4, 1776, two days after voting approval.

The Continental Congress declared that the 13 American colonies were no longer subject and subordinate to the Monarch of Britain. They were now united, free and independent states.

Independence Day is the National Day of the United States celebrating the nation’s history, government, and traditions.

John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, was the first and only person to actually sign on July 4, 1776.

According to legend, the founding father wrote his name bigger than everyone else so “fat old King George” could read it without spectacles.

Truth is Hancock had a large blank space and didn’t realize the other men would write their names smaller. Today, the term “John Hancock” has become synonymous with a person’s signature.

The remaining 55 delegates are said to have signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776.

 Americans need to remember the sacrifice of those who have fought for ideals of the Declaration of Independence. That’s from George Washington and his army, to the men and women in uniform who defend freedoms today.

Reminded of Psalm 118:27: “He has given us light illuminating with His grace and freedom and joy.”