“Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. — That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances. — That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.”
The Lee Resolution, also known as “The Resolution for Independence,” passed by the Second Continental Congress on July 2, 1776
Although we celebrate our independence on the Fourth of July, when 56 men committed high treason by signing the Declaration of Independence, it was 245 years ago today that our Founders formally asserted the Colonies’ independence from the Crown.
There’s a good chance you didn’t know that. Now you do.
John Adams, in a letter to wife Abigail the next day, was ebullient:
“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.
“I am apt to believe that it 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.
“You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”
Adams knew what declaring independence meant then, and he knew what it should mean to us now. If we don’t embrace America — as founded, not “reimagined” — with all our might, if we’re not willing to put our lives between Liberty and domestic enemies who seek to diminish and destroy it, we’re not worth a damn.
Saddle up, Patriots. There are battles ahead.
Today, the Second Day of July, also happens to be my birthday. I’m rather proud that it falls on The Real Independence Day. I’ve taken the time to learn about and appreciate that moment in the history of the country I love.
Deb made sure that my day was both relaxing and memorable — a day to be savored, not seized. We stopped by the dealer where we’d bought Mercy on Wednesday and put a third-party extended warranty on the vehicle. We called the truck-accessories shop and set up installation of the Jeep’s towing gear for late next week. And we dropped by a couple of auto-parts stores to pick up a few small items.
We also drove over to Yellville to meet Deb’s cousin for lunch at the BBQ place we enjoyed so much during our first visit to The Ozarks. Both the food and the company were great, and putting Mercy to work on US Route 62 confirmed that we made a solid choice — the handling was confidence-inspiring and the engine was satisfyingly torquey.
I really like this Jeep.
That’s all for tonight. The holiday weekend is upon us.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath
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