By State Rep. Brooks Landgraf
Happy 4th of July, West Texas!
I look forward to celebrating the birth of our country on an Independence Day colored with red, white, and blue. Surrounded by friends and family, many of us will be enjoying parades, barbecues, and fireworks. As we approach the festivities, I think it is important to remember the meaning behind our celebration.
It was nearly 250 years ago when a group of British colonies banded together to rebel against the Empire of Great Britain. On July 2nd, 1776 the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. Then two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence.
Yes, you read that right. July 2nd was the day when we truly declared our independence.
Don’t just take my word for it – John Adams, in a letter to his wife, Abigail, wrote that July 2nd would be remembered as a monumental day in American history that would be marked with fireworks and celebrations for generations to come. In fact, in protest, Adams would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events.
Nonetheless, it is unquestionable that the Declaration of Independence forever changed the course of human history. In that document, contained are phrases authored by Thomas Jefferson that established our nation’s founding principles: “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.”
The Declaration of Independence declared that governments have only the powers enumerated to them by the governed, paving the way for a system of government that could eventually guarantee equality under the law for every man, woman and child. Though imperfect, our country has continued to strive to live up to these principles which have provided a glimmer of hope to people yearning for freedom across the world.
Many brave men and women in uniform have risked their lives defending these principles and our freedom. I want them to know how much we appreciate their sacrifices, and thank them for their service to our country.
As we celebrate this 4th of July, we should all continue to be both extremely proud and grateful to be Americans. Lastly, I’d like to leave you with these words from President Calvin Coolidge remarked in 1926:
“Amid all the clash of conflicting interests, amid all the welter of partisan politics, every American can turn for solace and consolation to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States with the assurance and confidence that those two great charters of freedom and justice remain firm and unshaken.”
God bless Texas!
