A Spotlight On Independence

 

Putting the Spotlight On Independence

By Steven Maikoski  6-13-2026

It is obvious that our nation has been losing its appreciation of Independence Day.  Most people refer to the fireworks date, July 4, instead of the historical reason for the event.  Several people have created Internet videos of citizens who cannot identify what country the United States declared independence from; a few didn’t know July 4 was actually Independence Day.

It is unfortunate that some people are that uninformed.  It is our public education system doing its job.

 This July 4, 2026, will be our nation’s 250th birthday, so it is up to us to educate the unknowing on the value of our Independence and the costs of that great event.  It is equally important to get the word out to those who plan on protesting the celebration of independence.  

So, let us start at the beginning, the Second Continental Congress.  It met in Philadelphia in 1775 under what it referred to as The United Colonies of America, then changed it to The United States of America, signifying a break from British rule.  During that time, the delegates approved a Declaration of Causes that outlined the reasons for taking up arms against the British.  

The energy and commitment required to get to this point deserves to be acknowledged. Travel between the colonies was difficult, dangerous and costly; often taking weeks on horseback or carriage. Their travels to Philadelphia shows the resolve of the times and the States.

On June 11th,  they took a giant step, creating a committee of five to draft a Declaration of Independence for the United States.  Thomas Jefferson was selected to write the first draft of the Declaration, which was then reviewed by the Committee.  As he worked on the document, he complained that his room, in the middle of Philadelphia, was too noisy.  So he was moved to a farm on the outskirts of the city, where he complained about the flies from the nearby stables. 

The committee of five knew that their Declaration must be something that all the States would approve, so they omitted Jefferson’s criticisms of slavery, creating the finished Declaration.  It was an eloquent statement on the abuses of the Crown that necessitated a severance from British authority.

Here are a few reasons, all tyrannical in nature, cited in the Declaration.  The “He” listed here is the King of England, George III.

• He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

• He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

• He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

• He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

• He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers. 

• He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

• He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

• For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

• For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

By signing this Declaration, every man knew that he was declaring war on the most powerful force in the world. Many of them ended up losing their lives and fortunes by war’s end. The combatants paid a heavy price, some 6,800 killed, 6,100 wounded, and over 17,000 died from disease (such as smallpox), starvation, and exposure.

The Declaration of Independence served notice to the nations that the United States was now its own nation, capable of establishing treaties and trade agreements without British intervention. It was now, officially, the United States of America.

It is up to us to explain the importance of Independence Day to as many people as possible. Promote the history of Independence as much as you can. Our nation, and our children, deserve it.

constitutionist@outlook.com