Nearly 40 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Francis Scott Key penned the most sacred description of the United States of America—land of the free and home of the brave. These words are recognized in every land around the world as the definition of what it means to be an American. Two hundred and fifty years later we celebrate this great nation, our freedoms, and the fundamental commitment to bravely defend her ideals.
The men whose signatures appear on the Declaration of Independence yearned for the freedom to self-govern, to separate themselves from destructive rule, and to claim the “unalienable rights” to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. They bravely stepped up to pledge their loyalties to a new nation and to one another.
The last sentence of the cherished document says, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” The words underscored the transcendence of the principles to which they gave their solemn vow. They knew the simple act of signing their names to the parchment, might lead to their own deaths for treason should the new independent colonies fail to defend their rights to be free.
Copies of the Declaration of Independence were made to be distributed to the colonies. A printer in Baltimore, Maryland, accepted the risk of the task. Mary Katherine Goddard, who ran her family’s print shop, added her name to the bottom of the document. Under normal circumstances, “Printed by MK Goddard” would suffice, but for this fateful occasion she courageously printed her full name. Fifty-six men and one woman boldly stamped their names into history.
Freedom comes with a price. It is privilege protected by those who uphold the truths of all our founding documents. It is secured by those who make sacrifices at great risk when called upon. Freedom cannot and should not ever mean that we are free to do whatever we want, whenever we want, to whomever we want. Living within the boundaries imposed to keep us all safe offer us the privilege to pursue happiness, like children who understand to stay in the yard and not cross the road. They are free to run and play, and scream, and laugh at their own thoughts. They are safe from danger to flourish another day.
Bravery is demonstrated in unending ways. Parents who create a home with rules and boundaries, but with the nurturing wisdom to allow their children to learn and explore, are brave. The family that inspires their children to stand up for their beliefs is brave. And the parents that raise a child to wear a uniform to defend us all, are perhaps the bravest. They are most certainly the most vulnerable, with no control over their fate but with faith that everything will ultimately be all right.
A two hundred and fiftieth birthday sounds old, but our country is oh-so-young and, like a growing child, requires vigilant watch. Celebrate the truths of the Declaration of Independence this month but celebrate being American every day by recognizing the value of each one of us. Help a neighbor. Volunteer at a local nonprofit organization. Thank a veteran. Look for ways to bring people together, to unite them, not divide them. Speak your truth kindly. Share and honor the hopes each of us has for our families and our country.
Every time we salute the flag, cast a vote, or sing the national anthem, we reaffirm our commitment to this great country. Heaven knows our anthem can be difficult to sing, but each time the words are heard surely their true meaning pulses in the heart of every patriotic American. Written by a witness to war, the National Anthem reminds us that we will persevere through every struggle and every challenge, and we will thrive because we are the land of the free and home of the brave. This country is our home. Her values must be shared and protected by all of us as equals under one star spangled banner.
Happy 250, America.
Holly Harrison has been a licensed interior designer for over 35 years. Shannon Stage has spent nearly 20 years in the giftware industry. Together they own Sassy Bird Interiors in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
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