Independence. Our forefathers wanted it – so much so they drew up a 1322 word document to specifically separate themselves from the tyranny of Great Britain’s King George III. These gentlemen who set these tenets changed our country forever. I read over the declaration, something I probably haven’t done in many years, quite possibly since my high school days with Mr. Stovall force feeding American History to me and my classmates. (He was the only teacher that ever sent me to the office - twicefor laughing in his classroom. I really don’t remember what was so funny in American History, but apparently I found some humor in it!) Here is the part we had to memorize (no, I didn’t remember this, though I may be able recite the Preamble to the Constitution!)

“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.”

We all remember seeing the flourish of signatures of the members of the Continental Congress - especially John Hancock’s large and predominant inked name. But while reading the history behind it (again) I had forgotten that many of the members did not actually sign the document on July 4. Most were signed about a month later.

The way I see it, July 4th is more than baseball, hot dogs and apple pie. It is the granddaddy of celebrations of our nation. If it has been a while since you have read the document that began our country, then visit this website: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/ declaration.html

Happy Fourth of July!

That’s the way I see it, let me know your view – email me at sbrown@pleasantonexpress.com, or write at P.O. Drawer 880, Pleasanton, Tx 78064.

SUE BROWN is the Editor of the Pleasanton Express. Contact her at 830-281-2341 or sbrown@pleasantonexpress.com