Independence Day 2025

“Just Thinking”

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 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, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

This eloquent introduction to The Declaration of Independence sets the stage for the American colonies' case for independence from British rule, framing it not as rebellion, but as a natural and justified course of action in the face of tyranny. 

On this, the 249th birthday of our nation, it is important to reflect on just how fragile our independence once was. The Declaration of Independence, now celebrated as a cornerstone of freedom, was at the time a bold and dangerous act, so easily dismissed as treason. Had the revolution failed, our Founding Fathers would have been executed as traitors to the Crown. Yet, a group of brave visionaries risked everything, overcoming overwhelming odds to fight for and ultimately secure the freedom we enjoy today.

That hard-won independence was tested again during the War of 1812, often referred to as the “Second War of Independence.” The young United States faced a powerful British invasion, Washington, D.C. was captured and set ablaze, including the burning of the White House. And yet, out of that darkness came resilience, symbolized by Andrew Jackson’s victory at the Battle of New Orleans, which turned back the tide. These moments in history remind us just how precarious and precious our existence as a free nation truly is.

On this day in history:

1. 1776 – The Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, severing ties with Great Britain.
2. 1802 – U.S. Military Academy at West Point Opens, founded by Thomas Jefferson, West Point officially opened on this date.
3. 1826 – The deaths of Thomas Jefferson & John Adams both founding fathers and former presidents died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. Jefferson died in Virginia, Adams in Massachusetts. 
4. 1831 – James Monroe, the 5th U.S. President also died on July 4th, making him the third president to die on Independence Day.
5. 1863 – Battle of Vicksburg Ends, the Union Army, led by Ulysses S. Grant, captured Vicksburg, Mississippi—a turning point in the Civil War that gave the Union control of the Mississippi River.
6. 1881 – Tuskegee Institute Opens, Booker T. Washington founded the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, a vital center for African American education and advancement.
7. 1939 – Lou Gehrig's Farewell Speech, on "Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day" at Yankee Stadium, Gehrig delivered his iconic speech: “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.”
8. 1946 – Philippines Gains Independence, the United States formally recognized the independence of the Philippines after World War II.
9. 1960 – 50-Star American Flag Raised, the 50-star flag (with Hawaii added) was flown for the first time at Fort McHenry, Maryland.

Enjoy your Independence Day and give thanks to all who sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Let me know what you think.

@ChuckBarberini - #ChuckBarberiniRealEstate - @ChuckBarberiniRealEstate

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