Independence Day
My Pledge to Read the Declaration this Independence Day
How well do you know the Declaration of Independence? When was the last time you read it? This Independence Day, start a new tradition—or continue an old one—by reading the Declaration with your family and friends. Reacquaint yourself with the principles of liberty so eloquently stated by the American Founders in this document, so that you can be equipped to preserve and defend them for posterity.
Why do we celebrate
Independence Day?
On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail about how succeeding generations should celebrate the Declaration of Independence: “It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more….I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.—Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means.”
The Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress the following day—July 4, 1776—effectively dissolving the political bonds between the Americans and the British. The young nation embarked on a great experiment—self-government under law.
At Hillsdale College, all students read and study the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution in depth, because we believe that self-government leads to liberty and, ultimately, the pursuit of happiness. But, as Adams asserted, preserving that liberty comes at a price. Freedom is fragile and never more than one generation away from extinction, as Ronald Reagan said.
On behalf of Hillsdale College, we invite you to explore and study the resources on this page to deepen your understanding of our nation’s founding, so that you may be equipped to maintain our precious American liberty. May you see, as Adams did, that “the End is more than worth all the Means.”
America the Beautiful
Hillsdale College’s choir sings “America the Beautiful.” Written by Katharine Lee Bates and composed by Samuel A. Ward, “America the Beautiful” is one of the most well-known and beloved American patriotic songs. The song celebrates the natural beauty and the “patriot dream” of the United States.
Pocket Constitution
As part of its nationwide educational outreach, Hillsdale College has distributed more than 4.5 million copies of its Pocket Constitution, containing the complete text of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
You can defend liberty and American history through education with Hillsdale College.
For your gift of $76 or more to Hillsdale College, you will receive a commemorative 3′ x 5′ Betsy Ross flag that’s made in the U.S.A.
The Betsy Ross flag is a powerful symbol of the American Revolution and of the principles on which the Revolution was fought.
In the words of 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.”
Act now—supplies are limited.
Get Your Betsy Ross Flag
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