It is the time of the year when Americans celebrate their Independence Day. 4th of July marks the day when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by then Continental Congress in 1776. This historic document declares the independence of 13 British colonies in America – it declared the colonies to be free and independent states.
Since the Declaration of Independence, America has come to be known as the “land of the free and the home of the brave”.
Freedom, it seems, is very much on Americans’ mind. The pledge of allegiance is worded to reinforce the idea of freedom (or liberty), as follows:
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
The last stanza of the American national anthem reads:
“Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner forever shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”
But a person can be free physically, or legally, and yet he can still be a prisoner emotionally.
What is your situation?
Wherever you are right now, are you a “prisoner” in some thing? Perhaps you are born into a system that keeps you virtually a prisoner? Perhaps you are born into a certain caste or tribe which is looked down upon by society at large? Maybe you are not really free? You may still be a slave to something – a system, a tradition, etc.
On this day, 4th of July, when America celebrates its Independence Day, wouldn’t it be great if you too can become freemen?
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