Independence Day

On this 4th of July, I commend to you again the wonderful quote by G.K. Chesterton regarding the US Declaration of Independence, which was signed this day in 1776, and which I like to try to read each year around this time.

One thing I have been saying from time to time is that we ought to designate a more singable (and perhaps, less war-focused) song as our national Anthem. Maybe "America the Beautiful" or perhaps better still, this verse, the final verse of the song "America" (much more commonly known as "My country, 'Tis of Thee"). Like the Declaration of Independence itself, the logic of the song holds that the only foundation for believing that there truly are such things as "natural rights" is the law of Nature's God, so this verse also looks to God's natural order as the source and surety for our liberty and rights. It also reminds us that above and before the transitory vox populi of our democratic government is the eternal vox Dei of the Kingdom reign of God, expressed in the natural laws of creation which must be our foundation if our political systems are to be just and good and ultimately life-sustaining.

Our fathers' God, to thee,
author of liberty, to thee we sing;
long may our land be bright
with freedom's holy light;
protect us by thy might,
great God our King.

[Pictured is the Grand Union Flag the very first flag of The United States. It was in use from 1775-77 and was thus was the flag being used when the Declaration of Independence was signed. Even as the Founding Fathers were declaring their independence from Great Britain, their chosen flag gladly acknowledges our British cultural heritage. Still popular for display, it symbolizes the values of the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence in particular, and is available at Amazon and other flag-sellers.]