Happy 4th of July

This 4th of July, the country will be full of festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to gatherings of family and friends around barbecues or at the beach. Hopefully, you’ve successfully made your way through the traffic and are enjoying the holiday.

In honor of Independence Day, we thought a look back on our country’s origins might make for a good holiday story.

It has everything you could want in a story…action, passion, fiery speeches, and heroes (of all genders and races), and a happy ending.

The American Revolution had been waging for over a year when, on July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. Two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote some of the great wisdom of our country. Judge for yourself…

“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.”

Talk about inspirational.

There’s another line at the end of the Declaration that is often overlooked, but just as moving.

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

It is that pledge that we make to one another that keeps this country strong. As you celebrate this holiday with family and friends, take a moment to remember that there’s more that unites us than divides us. After all, we all hate traffic—and we all love being with loved ones.