President’s Pen – July 2023
Let Freedom Ring! On July 4, 1776, 56 men risked everything and gathered in Philadelphia to pass a resolution declaring their independence from England. Their vision, courage, commitment and sacrifice would not only usher in the greatest nation ever born, but also chart the course for a radical new way of thinking about government.
The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, aside from God’s Holy Word, are the greatest documents ever written. The principals and values set forth in these documents are not principles that change with time; they are eternal, and without them, freedom is lost.
Many people love to celebrate Independence Day with a bang! No matter how you and your family observe the day, take time to teach yourselves and your family, young and old, about the true history of our nation. When our children were young, my husband would call the family out to the front porch to raise the American flag, say the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the Star-Spangled Banner. There were plenty of eye rolls and “Hurry up, Dad” comments but this tradition instilled in them our love of country and the importance of patriotism.
Some additional Whitehill family traditions include:
- Participating in our local Independence Day Parade.
- Swimming, cooking out, making homemade ice cream, and playing backyard games.
- Watching fireworks and waving sparklers.
- Proudly waving our American flag.
- Creating patriotic crafts using flag-themed decorations.
- Watching the 1972 version of the movie 1776.
Enjoy celebrating with family, friends, and loved ones but always remember that America, our freedom, and liberty are worth defending and we must all be ready to do so.
July 4th is a historic day and I ask you to join me in saluting those whose sacrifices made our freedoms possible not only on July 4th, but every single day.
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.
— Preamble to the Declaration of Independence
Happy Independence Day!
Kit Whitehill
TFRW President
