4 Days of July – July 1, 1776

BREWING STORM

As the low rumble of thunder rolled across the Delaware river, John Dickinson from Philadelphia urged the delegates of the Continental Congress to delay their decision to adopt a resolution for independence.  Lightning flashes, gusty winds and sheets of rain were lashing at the State House as the plea to postpone grew stronger.

“Declaring our independence at a time like this”, he said “is like burning down our house before we have another; in the middle of winter; with a small family; then asking a neighbor to take us in, and finding that he is unready!”

The plea to wait until an answer came from France on the request to form an alliance had merit.  They could use more munitions to fight the British, yet his pleas seem to fall on mostly deaf ears.

ENOUGH!

They had been debating and arguing the notion of declaring independence from Britain for several weeks.  The Congress delegates knew the arguments.  If they declared to the world at this time the reasons propelling them to independence, they could win allies in their struggle, they could unify the country.  The people were tired of the British oppression and ready to resist.  They were ready to combine their strength and risk their lives in support of the Declaration.

John Adams argued for independence.  The King was sending thousands of troops and mercenaries to subdue the country, to divide the colonies and to keep them from forming a strong resistance.

John Adams said, “The people will stand behind the Declaration.  We shall be united; we shall fight for freedom; we shall win the respect of the world…”

SUBDUE & PUNISH

Seeing some of his loyal subjects standing in defiance across the ocean, King George III feared their demand for independence would infect the rest of the colonies of Great Britain around the world.  He couldn’t let that happen, these rebels had to be subdued. 

The colonies had repeatedly defied the Crown.  The King had made it known that as long as he wore the crown the law would prevail.  Those who defied the law should be punished.  Determined to crush the rebels, the King would give the American colonies nothing!

But his attitude toward them might change if they came back crawling on their knees, begging – until then his determination was firm to have them subdued and punished.

THE FUTURE

The evening of July 1st, 1776 found Thomas Jefferson in his room, with his writing box propped up in front of him near the dim light of an oil lamp making notes of the day.

Appointed to a committee several days earlier to draw up a draft declaration, Jefferson was chosen for the task by the other committee members.  In order to make their case he listed the charges against King George III.  He knew the words he had written on the document would be seen as treason and could get him arrested, sent overseas, and executed by His Majesty’s government.

Thomas Jefferson’s faith in the future was stronger than his fears.  He looked to the west and saw the future: new territories and cities, bountiful fields and a republic of free men yet to be born.

(c) Patriotic Expressions and Patriotic Minute 2008

Not for reproduction without permission from author

Declaration of Independence

232 years ago…

In response to an ever-growing oppression, government, and taxation without being allowed representation in Parliament, the colonists on the American continent had had enough.  On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee proposed the daring resolution:

     ‘that all political connection between the United Colonies and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally disolved,’

A committee, consisting of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston was appointed to write a declaration of independence.  Jefferson took the lead and after 17 days a draft of the Declaration was ready.  Benjamin Franklin and John Adams made a few changes and the draft was presented to Congress on July 3rd.

Declaring separation and independence from the British Crown was not easy.  How was this group of colonies, or states, going to be able to govern themselves?  Great Britain needed the resources being provided by the colonies in America, but the vast distance from home fostered a spirit of independence in the new world.  As a child grows older, the desire to move out from under control of the parents gets stronger and once set free stretch their wings and soar on their own.

The first four days of July, 1776 were some of the most difficult and important in the struggle for freedom from tyranny.  Independence, Liberty, Freedom – words that would take on a new meaning that continues to be debated…232 years later.

Welcome to Patriotic Expressions

Freedom is not a gift…Benjamin Franklin 

What does Freedom mean to you?  Patriotism seems to ebb and flow with events that occur in our nation.

Our patriotic ferver rises in the aftermath of tragedies such as 9/11, the war in Iraq or the loss of seven astronauts.

Such zeal for our country is what makes this nation great.  Great men, important events and our nation’s sentiment have made their way into our everyday lives.

With this blog, we’ll explore the history, the stories and the committments made to ensure our freedom and liberty.  Join me on this journey – history is our teacher and guide.