Reflecting on Independence Day

When the founders signed the Declaration of Independence nearly 250 years ago, they were aware that they were signing their own death warrants. They were driven by a belief in an ideal far greater than themselves, putting everything on the line: their land, their families, their futures. The essence of their action was that freedom is worth dying for.

As we celebrate today, it’s often through TikTok dances, viral trends, and backyard barbecues. Now, don’t get me wrong—I enjoy fireworks and hot dogs as much as anyone! But let’s not forget that July 4th is more than just a festive occasion. It’s a reminder and, potentially, a wake-up call for my generation.

Here lies a challenging truth: we’ve inherited more freedom than any previous generation, yet we’re squandering it. We scroll through headlines about contentious issues and blurred realities, while some of us treat patriotism like a costume we put on for the Fourth of July and then take off afterward. We risk disrespecting the very freedoms that university students embody. Some even go so far as to label the American Revolution as “colonial oppression.”

This is, frankly, embarrassing—and it’s dangerous.

Some claim America is the root of the problem, that we’re irreparably broken. But here’s something your professor might not share: the American experience, with all its flaws and imperfections, represents a monumental leap for human freedom in history. The issue isn’t America itself; it’s a generation that doesn’t know how to safeguard it.

We share dreadful infographics online as if that signifies “resistance.” However, real resistance requires sacrifice. Our founders didn’t risk everything for social media likes. They risked it all for genuine freedom. We owe it to ourselves to live as if we deserve that freedom.

First, we must understand exactly what we are fighting for.

Freedom isn’t just a lofty concept. It’s about being able to express yourself openly, worship freely, develop your true self, and choose your leaders without serving a monarch. In America, power is derived from the people. That concept is still revolutionary.

But it only holds true if we actively engage.

The 2024 election may seem far off, but the fight for America continues now. School board meetings, city council votes, and legislative sessions are battlegrounds for our values. Politics doesn’t stop after Election Day; that’s merely where it begins. Freedom isn’t maintained by passive observers. It demands engagement, courage, and the willingness to act during critical moments.

So, Gen Z, here’s your challenge this Independence Day: you deserve the freedom you’ve inherited.

Forget about grilling burgers or posting flags on social media. Instead, read the Declaration of Independence. Study the Constitution. Stand firm in your beliefs. I’ll share my truth, and whether in a voting booth or in debates, it’s essential to let your voice be heard.

Because that’s what I intend to do.

The founders gifted us a nation. The pressing question is whether we possess the strength, bravery, and boldness to sustain it.

If that doesn’t inspire you, reread the part where they committed “their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.”

Then, ask yourself what you are willing to give in return.

Happy Independence Day. It’s time we act like we’ve truly earned it.