We hear and see this phrase often, especially as we approach the 4th of July, Independence Day, our nation's birthday. The United States of America declared itself an independent nation, separate from British rule on July 4, 1776. It is important to remember some details of that day and of our invaluable American History. It is not just a day to attend parades and fireworks, have picnics, and go swimming and boating. Certainly, we should celebrate our nation’s birthday, but first let us stop, remember, acknowledge, and honor those who made it all possible. Freedom is most definitely not free. Our freedom was secured at an incredible cost.
The Declaration of Independence was approved and signed by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This formal document announced the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. It explained why the Congress on July 2, 1776, by the unanimous vote of 12 colonies (with New York abstaining) had resolved that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States.” The final separation from the mother country was voted on and passed on July 2nd; and on July 4th the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania State House. The building has since come to be known as Independence Hall. Eleven years later in 1787 in the same room, delegates to the Constitutional Convention created and signed the framework of the government of our infant nation-- the United States Constitution.
Those were bloody years for our struggling new country. The Revolutionary War started in 1775 and continued until 1783. England was militarily equipped and experienced. The British soldiers were skilled and well resourced. America had nothing by comparison. Our soldiers were inexperienced farm boys with limited experience, limited supplies, and limited ability to get supplies. But they had passion, commitment to a common cause and faith in God. They had guns and ammunition; and they had outstanding leaders who led by example. Their military leaders did not send them out to fight and die alone. American commanders fought with them.
The Revolutionary War alone earned America the label “Freedom is not free” and “Land of the free and home of the brave.” There have been 11 more wars since that first one that American soldiers have fought and died in. The cost of preserving our freedom is indescribably high.
The British soldiers and their mercenaries were all in formal uniform, complete with red coats. In contrast, Continental Soldiers were not so well equipped. They did not all wear the same uniform. Their clothing changed throughout the Revolutionary War. At the beginning of the war militiamen wore civilian clothes. By 1776, solders’ uniforms were provided by individual state governments. There was, therefore, much variation between different units. Some units did not have shoes to wear during the historic Christmas Day Crossing of the Delaware River and the harsh winter of 1777-1778. Ultimately, the government was able to supply them with proper footwear. In1779 Congress adopted a standard military uniform.
The crossing of the Delaware River under the leadership of George Washington has been credited with turning the tide of the American Revolution. It is like the significance of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. Our two great presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln both exhibited extraordinary leadership during treacherous times. These men are true heroes of both faith and conviction who earned our country the reputation of land of the free and home of the brave.
Throughout the course of the American Revolutionary War, an estimated 6,800 Americans were killed in action, 6,100 wounded, and upwards of 20,000 were taken prisoner. Historians believe that at least an additional 17,000 deaths were the result of disease, including about 8,000–12,000 who died while prisoners of war. (www.revolutionary-war-and-beyond.com)
America is indeed the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. It is the land of the free because of the brave. Mostly, however, we are free because God has shed his grace on us. America, we must turn back to God ….. NOW!!
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord …….! Psalm 33:12
Elsie