Since we celebrate the 4th of July every year (and it involves fireworks and time off work), it is easy to glance over the deeper meaning of the holiday. Beyond the fact that it marked the birth of the United States, why should we celebrate the 4th of July? What did and does it mean? And what lessons should we draw from it as we look to the future?

Here are 4 facts about the 4th of July and some reflections on America’s present and future.

It was improbable.
It was impressive.
It was imperfect (think “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare…”).
It is in peril.

Links:

Link to the state of abortion bans in the United States since the Dobbs case.
Link to the Crucible of War on the Seven Year’s War and the events that led up to the War for Independence.
Link to Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom.

The post #382 4 Facts about the 4th of July [Encore] first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.