Today is America’s birthday. It is the day that our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Today, in these troubled times, with the economy struggling to recover and crisis seemingly around every corner, it is a good time to reflect on a few of the words of that Declaration of Independence:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

Powerful words, written by John Adams of Massachusetts and Roger Sherman of Connecticut; two men from the Middle Colonies, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York; and one southerner, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Our Founding Fathers were willing to sacrifice all in order to win their freedom from a tyrant.

Now, 234 years later, America is being tested on many fronts – our economy is struggling to recover. Unemployment continues to be a major problem, and health care and immigration issues have divided America.

But through all of our disagreements, we come together on the 4th of July to celebrate the birthday of the greatest country the world has ever known, united in our pride and patriotism. I hope that each of you take time to reflect on the sacrifices of those long ago heroes and to thank our present day heroes – Our servicemen and women who keep us free.

Share your thoughts about what the 4th of July means to you. How do you and your family celebrate our country’s birthday? Leave a comment on my web site and share your memories with all of us. A safe and happy 4th to you all!

Answers to July 3rd Trivia Questions:

What was the first date in history when the term “United States of America” was used and read in a public document?

July 1, 1492

July 3, 1776

July 4, 1776

July 5, 1812

Answer:  The first date when "United States of America" was used in a document was July 3, 1776. The term was used when a committee of delegates met to read, revise and vote on the Declaration of Independence. On this day they revised the wording in the document to come into agreement with all the states.

Who was the oldest person to sign the Declaration of Independence?

Answer:  Benjamin Franklin was the oldest person in the assembly. He was 70 years old when he signed the Declaration of Independence