Independence Day - A Grand Accomplishment

Good blog, William Johnson . Unfortunately, a growing percentage of our population would rather spend their time second-guessing the actions of our founders. Have a great Independence Day!

I love history and my hubby does as well.  We live in America's Historic Triangle, Williamsburg, Yorktown and the Jamestown settlement.

Well said William.  They should listen to the words of the national anthem before the fireworks start. Yes Sir it is about more than a barbeque and fireworks.

Back in the 1960's when  my husband and his sister and their two  families spent 6 weeks together in the Charleston, SC area, the three British cousins and four American cousins were playing together, and they asked," Who were the good guys?"  "Who were the bad guys?" The American cousins came from the North, and the British cousins had grandparents in the South. So it was the Americans versus the British, and the North versus the South. We all needed to brush up and spend more time learning about our histories even though the cousins ranged in age from 3 to 9  years old at the time. When special holidays and events accur we all need to take more time to think about the real meaning of the events from the past and to honor them.  They were also shown a copy of the Declaration  of Independence signed by one of their Ancestors, Arthur Middleton. Now that's another story.    Thank you William.

Sitting on historical boards in my area has taught me so much about the Revolutionary War that was fought right here. A local researcher discovered that Gen Howe's HQ was near what is now a shopping center in Hockessin, DE. The British occupied Wilmington DE and Kennett Square PA. Local Quakers were very unpopular because they would not join the Continentals or help the cause. Much suffering was caused when thousands of soldiers took horses, crops, and anything they could get their hands on. We have so much to be gratetful for because of the actions of  these brave citizens. As John Adams said,  “It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

Happy Independence Day William, I hope that you and your family all have an enjoyable week!

Nice to see you here William Johnson!

Happy Independence Day - and hope we can meet when I am in San Diego area next time (August 6-8 - so it is just about a month!)

I've stood in that room in Philadelphia that you have a picture of. It really is quite moving to be there and imagine what took place in the very room. Happy 4th of July and God bless America and may the memory of those who died that we may celebrate this day be eternal. 

A beautiful tribute to the birth of our country! Well written, I really enjoyed this!

Thank you Sir for sharing.. May God continue to bless this great Nation!!

Great Post  William Johnson, Thank you for sharing & bringing this day into focus. The feats accomplished in our Country's history are truly amazing, and the foresight that founded our freedom is even more awesome as they still manage stand today. 

Hope you have a Great 4th of July.
Bruce

Thanks for this wonderful post William Johnson. Just like with Christmas, the true meaning of these two special days are almost or completely lost on so many people.  Thank you for the reminder of what the Fourth of July represents and means to us and this country.  Enjoy your holiday!

Althought the US is so deeply divided now, it's still a great country and time to celebrate our independence!

The Declaration of Independence turned world opinion in our favor as did the gettsberg Address in supporting the North's fight to preserve the union and end slavery. Two great documents and few anywhere can match them.

Dear William,

In our area, we have thousands of visitors each year, who want to learn more about our Nation's beginning history. From this perspective, there is still great interest. And to think that a volcanic eruption in Iceland may have started all of this.

Our educational system from primary to secondary needs radical improvement. Unfortunately, the leaders who choose the curriculum are biased with their ideology and thus our children's' education, IMO, is woefully inadequate. 

We live in a Blessed nation and many are grateful for being an American, yet, how many are patriots? May God Bless the USA and the patriots who appreciate the home of the brave and the land of the free. Happy 4th of July. 

Amazing what can't be accomplished with a shared goal even if they disagreed about the methodology or even the specific outcome. THey had a shared vision that islacking now 

It is amazing how we can loose our understanding of history. It is often not repeated or even re-written to fit a new direction.

Thank you for the great reminder of the original intent.

May God bless America.

I think it is hard for any of us to really know what was going through their hearts and minds in those turbulent times. The bravery required to stand up to the known and pursue the unknown, to start afresh. Like anything, as time passes things change and need to be adapted, we need those today who will stand bravely and speak out for what is right, not what is politic.