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The enduring significance of the Declaration of Independence

  • Published
  • By Col. Howard McArthur
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Vice Commander
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The tradition of celebrating Independence Day in the United States goes all the way back to that fateful summer of 1776 when, after great debate and with no small amount of trepidation, American colonists decided they had no choice but to declare their independence from Britain. John Adams, who helped pen the document we refer to simply as the Declaration of Independence, wrote the following to his wife on July 3rd, the day after our fledgling Congress voted on independence.

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epocha, in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more."

The actual declaration wasn't ratified by Congress until the 4th, and thus the 4th of July became the date we recognize as our Independence Day. Nevertheless, Adams' words accurately describe the great passion and hope our founders had for their new country. He's absolutely right we should celebrate this special day always, to not only bask in the freedoms they secured for us, but to likewise remember our responsibility to maintain and uphold those principles embodied in the Declaration of Independence.

Although Adams was excited and optimistic about the colonies becoming an independent nation, he also realized the difficulty of what the small collection of states was attempting to undertake. In his letter, he went on to tell his wife, "You will think me transported with enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means."

The Declaration of Independence communicated to the world that what was going on in the Americas was not an insignificant disturbance. Indeed, the American Revolutionary War lasted until 1783. Although the U.S. eventually secured its freedom, it was achieved at considerable cost. What appeared to be a regional conflict prior to 1775 expanded to become essentially a world war involving Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Spain, and thousands of persons lost their lives in battle and to disease.

The Declaration of Independence is fairly short, but it contains one of the best-known sentences ever written.

"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."

With this powerful language the declaration established that people have an intrinsic right to some fundamental freedoms. Next it briefly explains how these rights had been denied time and time again to the people living in the American colonies. It then provides a proclamation describing the outcome of this untenable situation, "We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States."

The one-page Declaration of Independence changed the course of history. The courageous act of the colonists and the ideals expressed in the declaration are unquestionably worth remembering and celebrating. But before you crumple this page to light your 4th of July barbecue fire, there's one more interesting aspect of the Declaration of Independence worthy of examination. The last sentence of the text is a covenant, unifying the people of the new nation through shared values, "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's remarkable how closely our own Core Values of Integrity, Service, and Excellence parallel the values in this pledge made by our forefathers 238 years ago. Or, perhaps it isn't so surprising. We are after all, cut from the same cloth and share the same love of liberty and spirit of equality that made them, and us, Americans. As you enjoy terrific American traditions like hot dogs, pool parties, and fireworks on the 4th, I ask you to take a moment to reflect on the enduring significance of the Declaration of Independence. Keep in mind you carry the torch of freedom it represents, not only by the amazing things you accomplish as a member of the Air Force, but also by how you conduct yourself and treat others. By holding yourself to the values shared with our founding fathers, you ensure "that the end is more than worth all the means" will always ring true. Enjoy a safe, happy, and freedom-filled 4th of July!