July 4th has long been associated with the fundamental ideals of the United States: worship freedom, press freedom, and the right to criticize our government. It’s a day when many see America as a refuge for those seeking such freedoms. Dates like this symbolize the unity of the states, bringing together individuals who signed the Declaration of Independence to push back against oppressive governance.
The culmination of the Civil War’s fiercest battle—the three-day conflict at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania—concluded on July 3rd, just before Americans honor this significant National Holiday. This battle marked a pivotal moment in a national crisis that would last four years. President Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Cemetery Dedication, remarked on whether the nation could endure through such trials.
Currently, the U.S. faces new challenges, especially with the harsh treatment of immigrants seeking a better life as the government navigates its promises.
Today, we release the text of the Declaration of Independence to remind ourselves of the core principles our nation stands on.
In Congress, July 4, 1776
Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States: When the course of human events necessitates a separation from political ties, it’s courteous to respect the opinions of mankind. We recognize certain truths, that all individuals are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Governments are formed to protect these rights, deriving their power from the consent of those governed. Hence, establishing a new government based on these ideals is crucial for securing safety and well-being.
Indeed, prudence suggests that long-standing governments should not be changed for trivial reasons. However, when a series of abuses aims at absolute tyranny, it becomes not just a right but a duty to overthrow such a regime to seek new protections. The ongoing issues with the British king highlight repeated injuries against these states, which are firmly against established freedom.
The king has consistently refused to endorse important laws needed for the public good, and he has prevented the passing of laws unless they align with his approval, often neglecting their implementation.
He has removed representative assemblies, disregarding people’s rights, and has stalled elections, which would normally empower the populace. Instead, the responsibility has returned to the individuals themselves, who now face threats both from inside and outside.
His attempts to limit the population growth of the states involve obstructing laws that would allow for naturalization of foreigners and complicating immigration processes.
Moreover, he has undermined judicial authority by withholding consent for laws that establish jurisdiction and has made judges dependent solely on his decisions for their roles and pay.
Numerous new offices have been created, burdening our citizens with officials that only drain resources. He remains among us without our consent and has established a military presence independent of civilian oversight.
In conjunction with others, he subjects us to foreign control, as seen in various acts, including quartering troops among civilians and imposing taxes without representation.
There have been repeated acts to limit our rights to a fair trial and lawsuits, as well as transporting individuals across seas for offenses without just cause.
Additionally, he aims to dissolve our charter, abolishing valuable laws and changing our government structure fundamentally.
Our parliament has been suspended, and we have found ourselves deprived of representation in legislative matters.
The king has renounced his support, declaring war against us and contributing to extensive harm, disregarding our sovereignty.
He has already demonstrated cruelty that echoes through history, employing foreign mercenaries against us, thereby showing a disregard for civilized governance.
Moreover, this has resulted in our fellow citizens being seized at sea and forced to fight against one another.
He incites conflict among us, bringing in armed groups, showcasing brutal warfare principles without distinctions.
Throughout this oppression, we have humbly sought relief, but our repeated requests have only resulted in further injuries. A ruler characterized by tyranny is, therefore, unworthy to govern free people.
We also reached out to our vulnerable peers, cautioning them against attempts to impose unjust authority. We invoked their sense of justice and kinship while expressing the need to resist such seizing, as this threatens our connections.
Thus, with respect, we appeal to the greater authority of the world, asserting our intentions. We declare that these united colonies are henceforth free and independent states, absolved from British allegiance. As independent nations, we will be free to pursue war, peace, and commerce, as well as undertake all necessary actions allowed to sovereign entities. To support this declaration, we rely on divine providence and pledge our lives, fortunes, and honor to one another.
