Independence Day is a special day for all Americans as it’s the day that the 13 original colonies declared their intention to break away from British rule. It is interesting that John Adams predicted that it would be celebrated on July 2nd and that the date of the vote itself would be celebrated, but it wasn’t until the 4th that the act was announced. That’s how the 4th became America’s birthday and the date that we celebrate.
In his now famous letter, John Adams said, ‘I am apt to believe that (Independence Day) will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. 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.’
There are many reasons why we should thank God on Independence Day and the fact that we are free to practice our religion of choice is one of them. The first amendment states,
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
We can also thank God for the peace under which our country lives when so many other countries are in turmoil. And we thank Him for our system of government where we can vote freely and the rights of all citizens are protected. We are also thankful to Him for those that defend these freedoms on our behalf.
