Let’s Give This Some Thought
I know, last week I told you that this week’s post would be about a business tool that’s evolving into separate tools.
Well…surprise! It isn’t.
I had planned to write about that, but then my assistant reminded me that this weekend is the Fourth of July. Once I realized this year marks America’s 250th birthday—an amazing milestone that many countries in history haven’t achieved—I knew this was the topic I needed to write about. Don’t worry, we’ll come back to the business tools next week.
Every year, we celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, parades, barbeques, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family gatherings, political ceremonies, and various other community events. Those traditions are fun, and I hope you enjoy them. But they also made me wonder:
Why do we celebrate?
Too often we get into routines and traditions without really thinking about why they exist. We enjoy the day off, gather with family and friends, watch the fireworks, and then move on with life. There’s nothing wrong with those things, but I think it’s important that we stop and remember what we’re actually celebrating.
A lot of us learned the highlights of American history in school, but over time those lessons tend to fade from our memory. So, consider this your refresher on our nation’s first Independence Day.
For years, the American Colonies were under British rule. After the French and Indian War, Great Britain found itself deep in debt and began placing new taxes on the Colonies to help pay for the war. The problem wasn’t just the taxes. The Colonists had no representation in the British Parliament, meaning they had no voice in the decisions that affected them. Or, to put it another way, they wanted to have “no taxation without representation”.
As more laws were passed, frustration continued to grow. Protests spread, boycotts were organized, and events like the Boston Tea Party showed that the Colonists believed things had gone too far.
Eventually, disagreements became war.
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. Two days later, on July 4, the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted. In that document, the Colonies declared themselves to be free and independent states. It also affirmed that all people are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
That declaration changed history.
Of course, signing the Declaration didn’t instantly make America a free country. The Revolutionary War continued for several years, and countless men and women sacrificed so future generations could enjoy the freedoms we have today. Many gave their lives and many others gave years of hardship and service.
That is why we celebrate.
The Fourth of July is about much more than fireworks and cookouts. And while these traditions are fun, they should also remind us to be grateful for the freedoms we often take for granted.
As business owners, we have the freedom to start a company, provide for our families, create jobs, serve our customers, and pursue our dreams. We have the opportunity to build a business that can bless our families, employees, customers, and communities. That is a privilege many people throughout history have never had.
Freedom also comes with responsibility.
Our responsibility is to use our opportunities wisely, to work with integrity, to treat people how we would want to be treated, to honor our communities, and to leave things better than we found them.
As you celebrate America’s 250th birthday this year, enjoy the fireworks, the food, the family and the fun. But don’t let the celebration end there. Take a few moments to remember why we celebrate, the courage of those who stood for freedom, the sacrifices that have been made throughout our nation’s history to preserve it, and the opportunity we have to use those freedoms well.
Happy 250th birthday, America. And Happy Independence Day!
