This Fourth of July will be the 249th Independence Day celebration for the nation we call the United States of America.
Independence was actually declared by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776, following more than a year after the American Revolution started. But on July 4, the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved. It became the date included on the final signed copy of one of the most important documents in our nation’s history.
Interestingly, July 4 has become much more celebrated than Constitution Day, Sept. 17. I was thinking about why that is. I guess it’s just the notion of independence that gets Americans so excited. We were finally free from what was considered the tyranny of the British crown and taxation without true representation.
This year, I’ve watched as a lot of people have expressed sentiments similar to those first expressed in the American Revolution. While I don’t agree with their assessment of where we are as a nation, I certainly can understand where many of these folks get their ideas.
Here in America, we value our independence as a nation and our individual liberties. We value our representative form of government – a constitutional Republic not a Democracy. It’s served us well for 249 years, and I believe it will stand for much longer if we’ll learn to work together to solve our differences.
This Fourth of July, I’ll enjoy the fireworks and the parades and the grilled burgers and other favorite summer foods. But most of all, I’ll enjoy my freedoms, and I’ll celebrate yours as well. I’m making sure to say thanks to God for all that He’s given us in this wonderful nation. I trust Him to help us as we continue our work to preserve our liberties and all that we hold dear.
Happy Independence Day to everyone in District 17. Don’t take it for granted!
As always, thank You for allowing me to serve you. I can be reached at (405) 557-7381 or by email at jim.grego@okhouse.gov.
Jim Grego serves District 17 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Latimer County and part and Pittsburg County.
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