INDEPENDENCE DAY
Written By: Jennifer Bash
Not just a celebration. A responsibility.
What They Fought For
On July 4, 1776, fifty-six men didn’t just write a document—they drew a line in the sand. The Declaration of Independence wasn’t about grand speeches or dramatic exits. It was about courage.
They risked everything—homes, families, lives—because they believed something radical:
That our rights come from God, not government.
They didn’t see themselves as heroes. They were ordinary people who stood up and said, “Enough.” And they believed this country, still just an idea, was worth every risk.
That was the American experiment.
And it’s not just a moment in history—it’s a mission we inherit.
You’re not just a citizen—you’re part of that legacy. A guardian of what they began.
What They Warned Us About
The Founders were visionaries, but they were also realists. They warned us what could go wrong if we weren’t paying attention.
They feared:
An all-powerful federal government. (Hello, IRS.)
Career politicians. (George Washington literally refused to be king. Today? We’ve got senators who treat their seats like heirlooms.)
Mob rule. They feared public opinion unmoored from facts and stoked by emotion—sound familiar?
Political parties. No, seriously. Washington begged us not to create them. Look how that turned out.
Foreign entanglements. “Avoid them,” they said. Now we fund half the globe while our veterans fight the VA for care.
They also didn’t envision a nation where our borders are wide open, our laws are ignored, and anyone who questions it is labeled heartless or extreme. Immigration was always meant to be a doorway—not a free-for-all.
Let’s be clear: wanting to protect America isn’t xenophobic—it’s patriotic.
Securing our borders is an act of love—for the nation, for its laws, and for those who earn their place here.
It’s not cruel—it’s constitutional.
It’s a promise to every legal immigrant that their journey matters, and to every citizen that their country endures.
Remembering September 12
If you want to know what America at its best looks like, think back to September 12, 2001.
There were no red states or blue states.
Just families, churches, neighborhoods—pulling together in heartbreak and strength.
We waved flags without hesitation. We helped strangers without asking why.
That kind of unity isn’t gone. It’s just been buried under the noise.
But we can bring it back—if we choose to.
Honoring the Heroes Who Still Protect Us
To every service member, veteran, and first responder—thank you.
You carry the torch of 1776.
Your sacrifices—on the battlefield, in the streets, during disasters large and small—are what keep this country free. We see it. We’re grateful for it. And we owe you more than words.
You remind us that freedom isn’t just a concept. It’s a commitment.
What Now? We All Have a Part to Play
We don’t have to fight with muskets—but we do have to fight with clarity, with courage, and with action.
Here’s how we start:
Teach your kids the truth about this country—the good, the bad, and the brave
Fly the American flag proudly—because it still means something
Speak up when it’s easier to stay quiet
Vote like freedom depends on it—because it does
Freedom is not guaranteed.
It’s something we protect—or lose—every single day.
And if we don’t protect it… who will?
Final Thought
Independence Day isn’t just a holiday—it’s a reminder.
That we’ve been given something rare. Something powerful. And something deeply worth preserving.
So light the fireworks. Savor the cookout. But don’t forget what you’re really honoring—the courage to say “no” to tyranny and “yes” to a future worth fighting for.
Because America isn’t just a place. It’s a promise.
And we’re the ones who keep the promise going.
Thank you for an inspirational reminder that government must be limited, and that our founders are worthy of respect.
I continue to be amazed and offended by those obsessed over President Trump but ignorant of the abuses, arrogance, and excesses of his predecessors. Presidents who not only allowed corruption to flourish but built a legacy upon creating division and chaos.
If they could speak today, our founders would certainly express a combination of wonder and disgust at what our nation has become. However, my prayer is not for party or particular people who lead, but for a resurgence of character and virtue so necessary to the success of any republic — “if we can keep it.”
Nice article Jennifer. I agree, we are given this great nation by our ancestors, and must protect it for our children. I wonder about a few examples you gave tho:
1. Donald Trump honors dictators, and WANTS to be a dictator himself. He said so - that he'd be a dictator on day one. Looks like he's trying that as well with all the executive orders, ignoring the courts, using unbadged soldiers on our streets. Just wondering if you are troubled by that, or if you think as long as he's YOUR dictator, then it's Ok.
2. All-powerful federal government? Using our military against ordinary citizens. Ignoring habeas corpus rights? There he goes again.
3. Mob rule? Hmmm, are you one of those people who think that J6 was just a bunch of tourists visiting the Capitol? That was a mob seeking to upend our entire government and calling for the hanging our Vice President.
4. I'm with you on foreign entanglements. But Trump isn't backing away from them, either. While I hate to admit it, I bet that Iran hasn't yet responded to US attacks on their nuclear facilities. I don't have a good answer here except to say that I agree with you and our founders, and don't want our military involved around the world. And we need to stop Iran from going nuclear, so I support Trump taking action. But why lie about it? "Obliterated?" No, he's just a showman. We set them back, and I'll bet Iran is now convinced the only way they'll get respect is by making a bomb and threatening Israel.
5. Wide open borders. I agree, I don't want open borders either. However, TACO Trump is caving into farmers and construction companies that rely on undocumented workers. What are your thoughts here? Should we get rid of all illegals, or should we give a pass to the ones who help us out? (By the way, we already have a process for keeping the helpers - it's called Work Visas. We need some smart policy here, but right now, the actions of this administration are not that smart. Do you really want secure borders, or are you saying it's Ok to have swiss cheese borders for folks helping out certain businesses that support Trump.
Here's to a more perfect union. Happy Independence Day!