4 July, 2023 by Eric Dunkelberger

Today, we celebrate our Nation’s independence. The United States of America was born this day in history in 1776. On that day, 247 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was ratified, thus officially severing ties between America and the British Empire. The final vote by the Second Continental Congress approving the Declaration had taken place two days prior, on 2 July, 1776. Afterward, John Adams said, “It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” And so, it has been commemorated since 1777.

I’ve often wondered at what point the 56 signers realized that, by signing, they were effectively admitting to treason to the British crown. I’m sure they knew before that day, but they signed the Declaration of Independence anyway. With their commitment, the Revolutionary War began. Of course, there had already been several skirmishes, The Battles of Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill (Breeds Hill). The British had tried to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock at Concord, so they knew what would happen if caught. Still, they had the determination to sign.

I also wonder how many would sign today, in the face of tyranny. The Declaration of Independence ratified 247 years ago contained 27 grievances. I can make a case that the current regime has done at least 12 of them. It’s beyond obvious that we live in a time of great tyranny. The grievances may be different than in 1776, but they exist. The British Army isn’t quartering troops in our homes, but there are other offenses. We no longer have control of our Southern border; that belongs to the cartels! Our justice system has gone rogue. We no longer trust our election system. Our two party system has devolved into a uniparty. The military is plagued by a leadership more interested in social engineering than fighting enemies.

On 4 July, 1776, the Declaration of Independence started something that would change the world. The Patriots weren’t sure of exactly how that change would look. It’s certain they didn’t want another monarchy! That first celebration in 1777 found the nation still at war. On 19 October, 1781, with Cornwallis surrendering to General Washington at Yorktown, they still weren’t sure of the type of government they desired.

Not everybody in the 13 colonies supported the Founding Fathers and the Patriots. They were surrounded by people who took the path of least resistance and supported the British Army. There were even a few in the Continental Army who turned away from the America. However, the Patriots won not one war with Great Britain, but two! The new Republic was gathering strength and it would last. We had a strong Constitution! We have good Patriots now, but we are losing the Republic. We need leaders who will take charge to save the Republic that we used to know. John Adams said, “Nip the shoots of arbitrary power in the bud, is the only maxim which can ever preserve the liberties of any people.” Since our Republic was never meant for an immoral people, we need to turn back to Jesus. We need to follow God’s will! We must take our Republic back!