In his book 1776, David McCullough masterfully describes the year that saw great highs and lows in America’s fight for independence. McCullough reminds us, in great detail, of the high price paid by both the Colonies and the British.
This year, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s final approval and signing. July 4, 1776, is the day that all Americans must remember and celebrate. Once signed, this document declared war on Great Britain. There would be no turning back.
Dates are important to memorize, but it’s even more important to study the history that made these dates historic. How well do you know the history of the United States of America? Have you ever read the Declaration of Independence?
The Declaration begins with these powerful words.
“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 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 their safety and happiness.”
The Declaration ends with these powerful words.
“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.”
September 3, 1783, marks the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, which ended in victory for the United States of America. The citizens of this newly formed country were free, free from the tyranny of the King of England. This date also marks the beginning of a new war that continues to this day. Our war to remain free is a battle we fight and pass on to our children.
Abraham Lincoln stated these immortal words at the conclusion of his Gettysburg Address. “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
As an American, I pray that we don’t fight the war to remain free with bullets and bombs. We wage war through our community involvement, our adherence to the rule of law, our votes, and by teaching American history to our children and grandchildren.
I wrote a book in 2018 entitled The Liberty Keys. I wanted to do my part to help my readers understand our history and the importance of events that preceded and followed 1776. I hope you will fight for our freedom. The Liberty Keys will help you.
It’s available at terrylkirby.com or Amazon.com.
Regards,
Terry
