July 3, 2008
Life, Liberty, Happiness
As we approach the great American festival that is the Fourth of July, let’s take a minute to review some really great copy from the preamble to the Declaration of Independence:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Talk about a powerful phrase. That Jefferson sure could write.
Although the editor in me wants to add a colon and a semicolon or two, I think I’d leave the capitalization as is. I find Jefferson’s use of capital letters deeply meaningful when it comes to the words “Life,” “Liberty,” and “Happiness.”
Yes, the Fourth of July is about fireworks, barbecues, and baseball. It’s about spending time with family and friends and enjoying a long summer weekend. But it’s also about Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. These lofty ideals deserve our commemoration on Independence Day.
So, while you’re eating at a picnic or lounging on a beach, take a moment and reflect upon the Liberty we have to pursue whatever it is that brings Happiness to our Lives. Let’s make Jefferson proud.
Filed by rebecca at 10:16 am under For the love of words
Rebecca, my husband, who is American but born in another country (embassy brat), is for the first time wanting to put a flag out tomorrow. He watched the John Adams miniseries and he read books on both Culloden (Scottish battle) and how the Scots fought in the Revolutionary War in the South. In fact, the entire Southern side of that battle doesn’t get much press.
The point is he finally sees why we native-born Americans are so fiesty, so independent in nature, and so proud of our patriotism. It means much more when you realize that our spirit has been passed down from generations that have fought and sacrificed for what we have. How could we not inherit that attitude?
Very well said, Lori! I, for one, take for granted the liberties we have as Americans. The American spirit is something we should all be proud of this weekend — and every day!
I like to celebrate the self-evident truths that I was endowed by my creator. But, as my future sister-in-law, you really don’t need to know that.