“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. . . . ”  and so goes on the Declaration of Independence for the United States of America.

I’m an unabashed, unashamed believer in the power of the people and the system of democracy for the United States of America.  The brave souls who signed this declaration, putting their lives at risk, created the foundation for people from all over to come to America, set up a business, and succeed through their own hard work and sweat equity.  I’m a descendant of that type of immigrant – whose great-grandfather came to America in 1872 and using his cabinet maker skill was asked to build coffins for the deceased in his little town in Minnesota.

In June of 1776, a committee was commissioned to draft a Declaration of Independence.  The committee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston.  The draft was made by Jefferson and after a few verbal alterations by Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams, it was submitted to Congress on the 28th of June.  On the fist day of July, nine states voted for independence.  On the 4th of July, the thirteen united Colonies declared themselves free and independent States.  John Hancock, the president of Congress, was the only one to sign it that day.  It was released to the world with only his signature, but on August 2, 1776, all but one fo the 56 signers put their pens to the parchment.  Matthew Thornton, the lone absentee, did not sign until November.

May God continue to Bless the United States of America.  Have a great 4th of July and don’t forget to think about our founders, and all others,  who risked their lives for this great nation.[wpforms id=”436″ title=”true” description=”true”]