Today is Independence Day.
It's the national holiday commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
It is not Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, or Veteran's Day.
It is not the birthday of any of the branches of the military such as the Army (14Jun1775), Coastal Artillery (Feb1901), Marines (10Nov1775) or Navy (13Oct1775).
It is not the birthday of any of the quasi-military services like the Air Force (18Sep1947), the Coast Guard (04Aug1790) or Lighthouse Service (1910).
Today is the day when rich, privileged, white men sat down and swore an oath, "this far no further" and signed their names to it then mailed it to their sovereign.
For many it served a death warrant. For others it led to ruination.
Yet they all stood and signed, knowing where it could lead in either direction. They pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the birth of a new nation.
Some did give their lives, some lost their fortunes, but all kept their honor!
We would do well to remember who we are honoring on each of the national holidays.
It's the national holiday commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
It is not Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, or Veteran's Day.
It is not the birthday of any of the branches of the military such as the Army (14Jun1775), Coastal Artillery (Feb1901), Marines (10Nov1775) or Navy (13Oct1775).
It is not the birthday of any of the quasi-military services like the Air Force (18Sep1947), the Coast Guard (04Aug1790) or Lighthouse Service (1910).
Today is the day when rich, privileged, white men sat down and swore an oath, "this far no further" and signed their names to it then mailed it to their sovereign.
For many it served a death warrant. For others it led to ruination.
Yet they all stood and signed, knowing where it could lead in either direction. They pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the birth of a new nation.
Some did give their lives, some lost their fortunes, but all kept their honor!
We would do well to remember who we are honoring on each of the national holidays.