Congressman Mike Ross on the meaning of Independence Day

In the early days of colonial America, liberty was not easily found. Colonists were subject to an unelected monarchy across the Atlantic Ocean and were at the mercy of a parliament to which they had no representation. “Taxation without representation” was the cry of the colonists and, after decades of abuse, it was time to stand up.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted a Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom. By declaring their intention to seek independence, they knew it would be a daunting, dangerous undertaking – a true “David & Goliath” story.

By publicly listing their grievances with a monarch they declared “unfit to be the ruler of a free people,” the signers of the Declaration risked everything. Retaliation was assured. In fact, included in the text of the Declaration, was a chilling acknowledgement of the risk: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

As we celebrate Independence Day this year, it’s important to recognize and honor just what these early Americans did and what millions of brave Americans have done since 1776. For more than 230 years, Americans have risked their fortunes and their lives to fight for liberty and defend this great country.

The principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence still ring true today and represent the bedrock of American ideals and aspirations. We still believe governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed. We still believe that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights and that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We still believe in the concept of America in the 21st century just as much as we did in the 18th century.

Today, Americans are still fighting to defend the same principles we have staunchly held for centuries. In each generation since 1776, brave Americans have stepped up and risked everything to defend American ideals, particularly our men and women in uniform.

As your Congressman, I will continue to honor our service members’ sacrifice by ensuring we give our troops in harm’s way the training and resources to safely and effectively complete their missions. When they do come home, I will continue to lead the fight to take care of them with the same due diligence as we do on the battlefield. Our veterans deserve the care, assistance and respect that equals the risk and sacrifice they made to fight for this great country.

We are fortunate to live in a country that every year, on the Fourth of July, we get to re-declare our independence. On this Independence Day, I ask that you please join me in continuing to honor and pray for our service members and their families who are sacrificing and fighting to defend the same principles our founders declared on this day more than 230 years ago.