"When we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, what will that mean to you? For many it means a day of paid vacation, a reason for a parade, family get-togethers and often a cookout or a picnic. But the day has been intended since the founding of our nation to be much more.
When the Declaration of Independence was written in 1776 it declared not only the separation of the American colonies from English rule, but also the beginning of a great experiment in national government. The founding fathers understood that the government they were creating was unique. It was designed to urge men to, in Thomas Jefferson's words, 'assume the blessings and security of self-government.'
In a letter written in 1826 he stated that this new form of government "restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man ... For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion of them."
The initial public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia's Independence Square was celebrated with ringing bells and bands playing.
In 2009, I hope that on July 4th you will pause to think about this incredible journey we are participating in -- this "experiment" in government for the people, by the people. Take a moment to take a measure of your commitment to the freedoms you have. Additionally, please remember the many who have fought for the freedoms you have, and to be thankful for those who are in the armed forces now - ready and willing to fight to protect your freedoms.
Ronald Reagan said, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."
Blue Star Mothers, Inc. is a National Organization Chartered by the United States Congress. It was founded in 1942 by mothers of service members concerned about their nation and their sons. Membership is open to all mothers of persons who are serving or have ever been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States. Associate membership is open to all family members of the same. Meetings are held on the last Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Crossroads Public Library, 6350 Byesville Road, Cambridge. For more information contact Laura Edwards-Conrad at 740-432-7812 or ledwardsconrad@yahoo.com."
Daily-Jeff.com - BLUE STAR MOTHERS: Independence Day:
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