Independence Day: Celebrating a Life Free From Tyranny

July 4^th is a day we “ooh” and “ah” over impressive firework displays and enjoy a charcoal-grilled all-American burger with family and friends. It is also the most important date in American history. July 4^th, also known as Independence Day, is the day the colonists officially declared independence from Great Britain, securing our freedom and liberty to this day.

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee proposed a resolution of independence to Congress consisting of three parts: a declaration of independence, a call to form foreign alliances, and a plan for confederation. Even though there was some reluctance from Congress to pass the resolution, citing it was too early to declare independence, Congress appointed a committee to write an official draft. From June 12 to 27, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. After suffering from oppressive rule and excessive taxation from the British crown, on July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress declared independence from Great Britain. Two days later, Congress officially approved the Declaration of Independence.

John Adams, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and our nation’s second president wrote a letter to his wife regarding the date:

The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

True to Adams’ words, all across America we celebrate with parades, bonfires and illuminations. It is easy to be swept up into the festivities and enjoy a day off work, but remember to take a moment and reflect on our great country’s founding principles, that we have “…certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

As gun owners, we understand how important these inalienable rights are. Without this day 237 years ago, and the relentlessness with which colonists fought during the Revolutionary War, our liberty and freedoms would have been replaced with tyranny and severe firearms restrictions. On July 4, not only do we celebrate a free nation, but we also honor those 56 revolutionary men who secured our right to keep and bear arms. Today, as we continue to fight the good fight, states such as Colorado, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California face stringent gun control laws. On this Independence Day, I ask you to not only enjoy celebrating your freedom, but keep in mind where we came from and the direction we are headed.

Happy Birthday America! And a salute from all of us at K-Var to all of the members of the military—past and present—fighting to secure our freedom, Constitutional Rights, and protect our way of life…