Two hundred and forty-eight years ago, on July 4, 1776, a group of brave patriots read the Declaration of Independence to a crowd in Philadelphia. Their words resounded across the world and have been an inspiration for revolutionaries, freedom fighters, patriots and people who wanted to be free. These Americans changed the world when this new form of government was born, based on the power of citizens choosing their leaders.
In 2024, July 4th is Independence Day celebrated with picnics, fireworks, parties, sales and long weekends. It is a happy holiday.
When asked whether we had a monarchy or a republic, Benjamin Franklin said, “We have created a democracy –if we can keep it. Today, those words are equally true.
On this day, we celebrate our republic, our right to vote and our freedom from monarchy.
Here are some thoughts for our picnics:
“We have to treat voting as the most important action we can take on behalf of democracy.” Barack Obama
“Our political leaders will know our priorities only if we tell them, again and again, and if those priorities begin to show up in the polls.” Peggy Noonan
“We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” Thomas Jefferson
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Martin Luther King, Jr
“Somewhere inside of all of us is the power to change the world.” Roald Dahl
“Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.” Susan B. Anthony
“Voting is not only our right—it is our power.” Loung Ung