June 28, 2023 Issue, Page 10 of 20

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PG2 FREEDOM |2023 States of America. A total of 56 delegates signed American independence for much — ih the document. Although John longer. July 4th marks a pivotal The Declaration of Indepen- Hancock’s signature is the largest, moment in the American Revo- dence is an historic document it did not hold more weight than lution. According to PBS, the drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Jef= the other signatures. Rather, rumor colonies were forced to pay taxes ferson was considered the stron- has it, Hancock signed it so large to England’s King George III de- gest and most eloquent writer of so that the “fat, old King could spite having no representation in the declaration writing committee read it without his spectacles.” the British Parliament. “Taxation charged with putting the colonies’ However, the National Archives without representation” became sentiments into words. Richard says it was also customary that, a battle cry and was one of sev- Henry Lee of Virginia was one of since Hancock was the president eral grievances colonists had with the first people to present a resolu- of the Continental Congress, he be Great Britain. tion for American independence, Conflict between the colonies and his commentary was the im- the first person to sign the docu- Few summertime holidays elicit cues, enjoy the sun, listen to their had been going on for at least petus for the formal Declaration ment centered below the text. a year before the colonies con- of Independence. A total of 86 The Pennsylvania Evening Post as much excitement as the Fourth favorite summertime tunes, and vened a Continental Congress in changes were made to Jefferson’s was the first newspaper to print the of July, also known as Indepen- commemorate the freedoms af- Declaration of Independence on Philadelphia in June of 1776, says original draft until the final ver- dence Day in the United States. forded by the monumental events July 6, 1776. The first public read- Military.com. On July 2, 1776, sion was adopted. The signing of Each year, family, friends and that led to the holiday’s establish- the Continental Congress voted in the document helped to solidify ings of the Declaration were held revelers anticipate the arrival of ment. favor of independence from Eng- independence, and eventually lead in Philadelphia’s Independence the holiday so they can host barbe- Independence Day became land. Two days later, on July 4, to the formation of the United Square on July 8, 1776. The Ultimate Cost of Freedom By Sheryl Ponce low us to have the freedom to enjoy just about anything we stand alone or stand with another person. Sometimes I find want to enjoy. I understand that others went to war to af- the Fourth ofJuly irritating and commercial, yet then I dig American freedom is about the ability to make choices. ford me these choices. Whether they wanted to or not, many deep to understand that it is not about my feelings, regrets, The privilege to live the way a person wants to live, talk fought long battles because of their faithful devotion to the or possibilities. It is about me and another person, no matter the way a person wants to talk, or believe the way a person ideals that Americans enjoy. what shape the other person may be in. It is the ability to see wants to believe. The concept seems simple, but I’m not On the worst day in America, it must be one ofthe best past my own nose and reach deep to understand the sacrifice sure that it is as black and white, or red, white and blue one places to live. Look at surrounding areas and see what they that has been given on my behalf. might think. must live through, yet in many cases we do not have the The freedomI learned about in grade school, 1 know that. When we say the Pledge of Allegiance, do we truly un- gratitude that is needed to see beyond our own nose. That is kind of freedom I love. derstand the sacrifice and choice those people made to al- Iam grateful that I have the right and privilege to either Let freedom ring, let it be loud, and let it be clear.