On this 234th birthday of our great nation, it is only fitting to take time and ponder the real significance of the sacred charter known as the Declaration of Independence. This document crafted during the times that tried men’s souls is the very foundation upon which our free and democratic society is built. It is a living and breathing document every bit as significant today as it was over two-hundred years ago.
Crafted from ideas which sprung forth during the Age of Enlightenment, the Declaration of Independence not only gave birth to a new nation, but to the cause of justice for all. This sacred document bears the signatures of fifty-seven men representing the unanimous agreement of the thirteen colonies as they pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. This document, and more importantly the high principles for which it stands, has been consecrated over the past 234 years by the toil, sacrifice, and blood of millions of devoted patriots.
As Americans, it is our duty and obligation to seek out the meaning of this document as it applies to contemporary times. It is nothing less than our sacred trust to maintain a vision for the future firmly rooted in the realization of this sacred charter for all members of our society.
There can be no better time for such serious reflection than amidst the grand celebrations which surround Independence Day. Upon the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, John Adams predicted that this would be an event celebrated by grand parades and festivities for as long as the Republic endured. But more importantly, this document would be the living, breathing force behind this incredible nation.
During the 19th Century, Fourth of July Celebrations were complete with fireworks, bands playing, orations, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence. While the nature of our celebrations have changed over the years, the purpose and meaning of the celebrations are ageless.
While the Declaration of Independence is saturated with phrases of deep meaning, none are as profound and compelling as “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Herein is the essence and soul of this great nation. And, while this document refers to men, there can be no doubt that our enlightened founders intended this reference to be all inclusive.
As the foundation of our great society, it is our role and responsibility as citizens of this great nation to pursue the high ideals reflected in the Declaration of Independence. What does an unalienable right of life mean? Does it simply mean you have a right to live? Are there preconditions to this right? Is the unalienable right of life for the poor different than the unalienable right of life for the rich? What is the implied role of government in securing this unalienable right?
What about the unalienable right of liberty? Just what is the definition of liberty? Should liberty be the same for all people, or is it something that is different depending on religion, race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, and other factors? What should be the role of government in securing this unalienable right?
The most interesting of unalienable rights is the pursuit of happiness. The key word in this statement is pursuit. If a person is without the wherewithal to pursue happiness, is this unalienable right possible? What are the prerequisite conditions for the pursuit of happiness? Or, is it to be suggested that anyone, regardless of their situation and condition, can pursue happiness? If this be the case, why would the founding fathers find it important to put this unalienable right in such an important document as the Declaration of Independence?
Another interesting point about the Declaration of Independence is the lead into the unalienable rights which says, “[T]hat among these are...” These four words suggest that there are other unalienable rights not delineated in the Declaration. It is as if the door was left open to the future. Our founders were incredibly visionary leaders. They knew from their knowledge and experience that society would change. They saw significant change in their own lifetime, so it was not a stretch for them to believe change would be constant. Their intent with the Declaration as is evident throughout the text was to make it a living, breathing, and dynamic document to sustain the growth and survival of this great experiment in democratic government.
During the first half of the nineteenth century, American statesman and Senator Henry Clay said that the Declaration of Independence established the personal, civil, and religious equality of men. Later, Abraham Lincoln said that all his beliefs about what America was and should be arose from his consideration of the Declaration of Independence.
I love the 4th of July because it is a symbol and reminder of our amazing beginning and evolution as a nation. We have come a long way in the attainment of the high ideals of the Declaration of Independence. It is a journey without end. With every new generation, there will emerge new challenges for bringing the Declaration to life. We are so fortunate to live in this nation of unlimited promise.
Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July. Happy Independence Day!
~ Bill
