242 Years Ago…..
Do the vast majority of Americans really understand what the July 4th holiday represents? From all indications lately, they do not. Many are trying to erase our history and what it represents. Anyone that knows me at all knows my passion for all things WWII and the Greatest Generation; but one hundred and sixty-five years before America entered the war, our Founding Fathers stepped up and drew a line in the sand, establishing a foundation of freedom and setting the course for our great country. If anyone is interested, this link is a great resource to learn more about the sacrifices made by our Founding Fathers for signing the Declaration of Independence. https://www.dailysignal.com/2016/07/01/the-sacrifices-made-by-the-men-who-signed-the-declaration/
Did you have a family member fight in the Revolutionary War? I did! Two of my paternal grandfathers died in 1776 but before they died, they saw both their sons fight in the war; Ebenezer Drake’s son Isaac and Enoch Drake’s son Noah. Both Isaac and Noah survived the war and played a part in fighting for our freedom.
John Adams, our 2nd President, is my favorite Founding Father. I have read a lot about him and his wife Abigale and the sacrifices they both made during the early years of our country. One of my favorite quotes by John Adams is “Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people.” This is one reason I wrote my first book, Inherited Freedom. I wanted to leave my children with something they could read that would reveal to them their family history, where our freedom came from and what is at stake for us as a country if we do not hold on to it. Here is small section of Chapter 10, primarily a letter to my children.
“Throughout America’s existence, there have been individuals who refused to let the majority dictate their beliefs or actions. Those individuals stood up, refused to back down, and fought for this country. They displayed character, took responsibility, prayed, and when necessary, went off to war to defend our freedom. At the time of this writing, all but one of your great-grandparents has passed away. Your grandparents are aging and may not be on this earth by the time you are forty years old. Your mom and dad will eventually be gone, as well. It will be up to you to take the torch of inherited freedom and ensure the flame never goes out. Do not let yourselves or future generations ever forget what sacrifices it took to build this country and establish its freedom. A signer of the Declaration of Independence, Samuel Adams, wrote a statement back in 1779 that still rings true today. "A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader". Your father loves you unconditionally and will do everything in his power, with the help of God, to protect you and this country at all costs. I only ask you to do the same when your time comes.”
Have a safe and happy July 4th. Let Freedom Ring!
Author – Tim Drake