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| St. Rep. Danny Bubp |
By State Rep. Danny Bubp
Freedom, equality, justice—these are all buzz words associated with American democracy. We hear these terms repeated throughout our grade school years, in presidential addresses and mixed into political debates. But what do they really mean in the context of our national history? The United States is a unique country in that it has been led by the American public from its conception. These ideas denote more than just generic descriptions of government, but rather characterize the rich legacy of America.
On July 4th, we will celebrate this enduring legacy and remember the historic events that occurred on the same day 235 years ago. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Second Continental Congress, sealing the Founding Fathers’ decision to separate from Great Britain and form a self-governing nation, the United States of America.
Independence Day officially became a federal holiday in 1870, but it was first celebrated the next year in 1777. As a retired Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps and a member of the Ohio House Veterans Affairs Committee, this holiday holds special significance for me.
Since the first days of the American Revolution, men and women have been putting their lives on the line to fight for the rights and freedoms that we all enjoy. Many have sacrificed their lives for this cause, and many of our young men and women have also died during our current conflicts—all in the name of liberty.
It is very hard to explain to someone the importance of what both the Founding Fathers and all those who fought the Revolutionary War did for America. We go about our lives often forgetting how good we have it. However, I believe that there comes a time in our lives when something clicks—we wake up to the realization that the visions of our founders were truly revolutionary and affect us every day.
As you spend this Independence Day taking a weekend getaway, sitting on a beach, attending a parade or grilling out in the backyard, I hope that you’ll recognize the gifts and the rights given to us that our fellow Americans have fought so hard for in the past. God has truly blessed us over the last 235 years, and may He continue to bless our nation. Have a wonderful Fourth!
