Simply – celebrating the anniversary of any nations’ independence is titled Independence Day. Our July 4th activities honors the sacrifices made in order for America to become free and independent from the throne of England. But we are not alone neither in celebrations but also when or how people commemorate when their nation gained freedom from another nation or oppressor.
Some countries observe more than one day they unshackled themselves from the rule of another nation. But this article is not a history lesson as much as it a reflection on what it means to be ‘free’, to self-govern, to be truly independent.
The America’s can trace indigenous habitation began between 19,000 and 26,000 years ago when Paleolithic hunter/gatherers ventured across the land that was formed between what today we call Siberia, over the lowered sea level to modern day Alaska. Just a tad ahead of Leif Ericson let alone Christopher Columbus.
But mostly the focus is on the pilgrims who fled religious oppression in England, arriving in 1620. They were met by peaceful indigenous tribes and found ways to communicate and at least in the beginning, to get along.
But, the real danger came from across the great pond, the Atlantic Ocean. America was merely a colony of England, subject to their laws and dominion.
By 1765 the threshold of a dream turned into rebellion. From 1765 until King George III acknowledged America’s Independence in the Treaty of Paris in 1783. But it was on July 4th, 1776 that the 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. Thus was born ‘Independence Day’ despite years of bloodshed and war for another 7 years.
And here we are, 249 years later about to solemnize what began as wishful thinking but then fought for by farmers, businessmen, men, women and children who yearned to be free.
110 years later the gift of the country of France was installed in New York Harbor, a monumental task with meaning and significance not just for America, but for all who sought refuge and autonomy.
As the famous sonnet New Colossus written by Emma Lazarus proclaims:
‘Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. ‘Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!’ cries she With silent lips. ‘Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!'”
Happy July 4th, we are blessed with freedoms others can only hope and pray