"IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 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. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever it, and to any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect the Safety and Happiness............"
Words written long ago, exactly 240 years ago today. Words to be studied as part of a school assignment and forgotten to the dust bin of history? Or words for each of us to remember and reflect on every day? Words no longer relevant in today's modern and progressive society? Or words as relevant and important today as when they were written? Each of us must answer those questions for ourselves. In our own hearts and consciences.
But while pondering those questions that I have posted here, also remember that over those 240 years thousands of our Fathers Sons Brothers Husbands and Boyfriends, and more recently and just as proudly our Mothers Daughters Sisters Wives and Girlfriends, have given their lives for those words and what they mean to those of us fortunate enough to be Citizens of the United States of America. God Bless The USA! Happy 240th Birthday, and many, many more.
I know this post has been up for a month, but I just wanted to say beautiful job, well done, and thanks for posting this. I, too, hope the U.S. has many more birthdays to come.
