In the year 2024, we are far removed from the trials and tribulations of 1776. We do have our own challenges nearly 250 years later, but it's not from a king in a distant land. Maintaining freedom and liberty is something every generation has had to attend to. Were it not for the bravery and fortitude of our liberty loving ancestors, The United States of America may still be governed by a foreign government. It's hard for us to even imagine that possibility, but it took a lot of blood, sweat and tears along with a huge helping of sacrifice for this nation to gain independence from Britain. This was no small task especially since a large percentage of colonists were not convinced a break from Great Britain was necessary. It was a relatively small number of "radicals" who brought the colonies together to join in the effort to win independence. These people were scholars, diplomats, entrepeneurs, military leaders, authors, scientists, politicians, merchants, farmers, and lawyers. They were aware of the difficulties a new government would face and their correspondence and debates are replete with examples of this. There was no shortage of opinions and ideas. The people known as founding fathers were revolutionaries and well versed in history.
July 4th is Independence Day and commemorates the day in 1776 when the Continental Congress formally adopted The Declaration of Independence. Thirteen American colonies declared independence from Great Britain through this Declaration. Battles had already been fought by this time, but many more would take place before the war for independence was won. On this Independence Day, let's hear a few words from famous early Americans about their struggle for freedom:
"Take not from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned." - Thomas Jefferson
"If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking." - Benjamin Franklin
"Always stand on principle...even if you stand alone." - John Adams
"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority." - Benjamin Franklin
"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" - Patrick Henry
"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace." - Thomas Paine
- The US Wellness Meats Team |
