Remembering our roots of freedom </MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 4:12 PM on Thursday, June 30, 2005

Remembering our roots of freedom

Editorial

"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."

— From the Declaration of Independence of the 13 colonies, July 4, 1776

As Kachemak Bay area residents get ready for the long Fourth of July weekend, we hope it will mean more than an extra day off work to enjoy parades, picnics, barbecues, fishing — or whatever your particular brand of summer fun is. We hope it also will be a time to remember just what it is we're celebrating.

Independence Day, which is Monday, marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, 1776, the document has been described as "the nation's most cherished symbol of liberty."

As Americans celebrate the freedom they enjoy today, we thought it appropriate to share some of the words from a few of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. As we do so, we can't help but wonder how the United States of America of today compares with what those signers had in mind as they gave birth to a new nation 229 years ago. It took more than words for freedom to become reality; it took courageous action and more than a little bloodshed. It's easy to forget those details when the only thing most of us have ever known has been freedom: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to peaceably assemble, freedom to petition the government about grievances, freedom to pursue our individual definitions of happiness.

While we may sometimes fall short of the grand vision under which this nation was established, we have always been willing to debate our shortcomings — and try to do better next time. And just as they did more than 200 years ago, the words of those early liberty seekers provide plenty for us to ponder about what freedom means.

From John Adams, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts: "The happiness of society is the end of government."

From Samuel Adams, another signer from Massachusetts: "It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds."

From Benjamin Franklin, one of the signers from Pennsylvania: "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."

From John Witherspoon, one of the signers from New Jersey: "The people in general ought to have regard to the moral character of those whom they invest with authority either in the legislative, executive, or judicial branches."

However we celebrate our nation's independence — and our own liberties — in the days ahead, let's do it safely. Happy Fourth of July.

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