Independence Day

Written By Amber Palma

ASA Now has made changes in Arizona State law. This would not be possible without the hard work of our forefathers. These changes are made because we know that our freedom gives us this right.

In 1776 our forefathers adopted what is now our declaration of independence. The words that were written were to free us from a tyranny of English rule. The English felt that they owned us because we came from England. Their right was to invade our homes and tax our lands. “The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.”[i]

By signing the Declaration of Independence, we committed to our freedom. The voting in of the Declaration actually occurred on July 2^nd. July 4^th was adopted as the Declaration date, due to the date listed on it. It was not until 1870 that Congress voted to make July 4^th a national holiday. This was due in part to the fact that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4^th,



This 4^th of July as we celebrate our freedom and independence let us not forget the reason. Our forefathers fought a war that claimed our independence from the British but also made us a free people. A people who are able to make decisions about the government that rules them. A people who if the government impedes on their rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness have the right to abolish or alter it. “That whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it,”[i]



We the people. The free people of the United States have a say. These rights we so often take for granted are not to be forgotten. Our Forefathers fought for these rights. To forget the cost would be dishonoring our history. This 4^th of July as you watch fireworks and barbecue, take a moment of silence. For all the men and women who gave their life to declare our freedom. For the men and women who fight to defend those rights today. Freedom is not free. It was bought with a price.



All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. ~Thomas Jefferson.

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[i] Declaration of Independence



Amber Palma