Happy Fourth of July

Come join us on Sunday, July 5th, as we celebrate these United States with patriotic music and honor the sacrifices that have safeguarded our freedom.  Wear your red, white, and blue and join us this Sunday to honor America!

 

 

 

America celebrates July 4th as Independence Day because it was on July 4, 1776, that members of the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence.  Following its adoption, the Declaration was read to the public in various American cities. Whenever they heard it, crowds of patriots erupted in cheers and celebrations.

In 1777, Philadelphians remembered the 4th of July by ringing bells, firing guns, lighting candles, and setting off firecrackers. However, while the War of Independence dragged on, July 4 celebrations were modest at best.

When the war ended in 1783, July 4th became a holiday in some places. Speeches, military events, parades, and fireworks marked the day.  It was not until 1941 that Congress declared July 4th to be a federal holiday.

 

John Hancock, the president of the Second Continental Congress, was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. With its ornate letters, Hancock's sprawling signature is prominent on the document; it is the largest and easiest to read.  Reports of Hancock signing the Declaration and saying he wanted the King to be able to read it without his spectacles on are not true.  His signature was always ornate. 

 

 

All 56 men who ultimately signed the Declaration did so with great courage.   Congress kept the identities of the signatories secret for many months to protect them from being charged with treason, a crime punishable by death.

 

 

 

 

Our nation's freedom is precious, but not free.  Freedom comes with a price, paid for in blood.  As we remember the price that was paid for our nation's freedom - we also remember that our soul's freedom came with a price.  Jesus Christ paid the price for us, and offers salvation to us free and clear.  We have eternal life in Heaven and freedom in life here on Earth because Jesus Christ gave His life and shed his blood to pay for our sin. The celebration of both of these freedoms is not complete without remembering the price that was paid.  It is not merely a coincidence that the Cross is used in U.S. military cemeteries, and reminds Christians all over the world of the price paid for our salvation.