By July 4, 1776, the Revolutionary War was already on for fourteen and a half months (April 19, 1775). It would be another seven years, plus, before the British formally surrendered on September 3, 1783.

In the majority of those seven years, the only assurance of victory was in the hearts of those fighting. Even Washington himself wrote of his concerns both during and after the War. The freedom he desired for this new nation was still only an idea. Of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration, nine would die before the War’s end. Many others lost everything due to the actions of the British troops and would die in poverty. None of them came through the Revolution unscathed. Thousands more, many of those names lost to history, died as well.

As you know, however, we won. Today, 249 years later, the nation still stands. Perfect? Absolutely not! Besides, perfection is boring and leaves most people feeling left out. Much more fun is the work in progress our nation has always been. There’s room for more ideas to augment the Declaration (and the Constitution) while still keeping true to the original plan of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness for everyone.

So go out and enjoy the parades, the fireworks, the food, and everything else that you and your family and friends do on this wonderful anniversary. They represent not just the historical significance of the Fourth of July but also what the future holds for each of us. This is America…after all, our best years are always ahead of us.

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