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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Since the dawn of civilization, a common societal theme has inspired some of the greatest changes in the world, and that is the evolution from the old-world order to the new.
As a free-minded adult, I recognize this phenomenon as the controversial foundation upon which this nation was built, and it is no surprise to find modern-day Americans celebrating the nation’s independence in vastly different ways than the Americans of yesteryear. However, as the daughter of a die-hard American history buff, and a person whose childhood vacations were spent at battlegrounds such as Gettysburg, Antietam and Harper’s Ferry, I believe it is important, and dare I say therapeutic, to not just celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks, food and friends, but to take a moment to reflect on the illustrious history behind how our great country was born.
The year 1775 set into motion the early stages of rebellion from British reign. The Second Continental Congress was faced with serving as the only form of government beginning in late spring of 1775 after King George III continually neglected petitions sent by the First Continental Congress. Later that summer, the Continental Army, continental currency and post service for the United Colonies were established. By the end of the summer, the king’s intentions became clear to the colonies.
In the summer of 1776, the Continental Congress heard Richard Henry Lee read his resolution stating: “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.”
On June 11, consideration of the Lee Resolution was postponed and the Committee of Five was appointed to draft a statement to present to the world the colonies’ case for independence. These men were John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston and Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson’s account reflects three stages in the life of the Declaration: the document originally written by Jefferson; the changes to that document made by Franklin and Adams, resulting in the version that was submitted by the Committee of Five to the Congress; and the version that was eventually adopted.
On July 2, 1776, the Lee Resolution for Independence was adopted, which meant immediately afterward, Congress began the consideration of the Declaration of Independence. Congress reviewed and revised the document until early morning on July 4 when the Declaration had been officially adopted.
It may not have been known then, but when the words of five men were quilled on to a single piece of parchment, the course of world history was momentously changed. This marked the establishment of one of the world’s most formidable countries and subsequently the growth of democracy, which became a globally recognized institution. In the name of common sense and good will, a few spoke up against an oppressive and negligent authority. From that effort came a collective pride to be awed and a force to be reckoned with.
Prosperity and grace through adversity was a lesson taught to me at a young age and for that reason, I take sentimental interest in the story behind how a humble collection of colonies defied the odds. Through out history, nations have come in to existence through common themes such as civil perseverance and military rebellion and our great nation is no exception to this prospect.
Editor's Note: All historic dates and facts are attributed to archive.gov.
| Date Taken: | 07.02.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.02.2014 17:06 |
| Story ID: | 135159 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, The birth of a nation, by Lauren Kurkimilis, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
