Our Lives, Our Fortunes, and Our Sacred Honor.

When I was in elementary school, we as students participated in a patriotic program each spring. This program included a series of musical numbers and short speeches both of which allowed us to show patriotism and nationalism even as young children. One particular song from one of the patriotic programs has stood out to me through all these years. The song’s catchy tune may be what keeps it in my head almost ten years later but the meaning is still relevant. The lyrics are as follows:

The Declaration of Independence

Says we hold these truths to be:

All men are created equal, to live in harmony.

They are endowed by the creator

With certain unalienable rights

That among these are life, liberty,

And the pursuit of happiness.

The Declaration of Independence

In the name and by authority

Declare that these united colonies

Are free and independent states

A land of liberty

It was written by Thomas Jefferson

Signed on the 4^th of July

It declared our independence

And told the reasons why.

In support of this declaration,

Valiant men, strong and true

They bravely pledged their lives, their fortunes

And their sacred honor too.

The Declaration of Independence

In the name and by authority

Declare that these united colonies

Are free and independent states

A land of liberty

It declared our independence

And fought to keep men free.

This song helped me understand the Declaration of Independence and memorize a few important phrases from the Declaration’s text.  But more importantly it always instilled in me knowledge of the importance of the Declaration.

The Declaration of Independence did exactly what its title claims; it declared the United States of America an independent country.  It gave the American people a new freedom and entitlement. The Declaration wrote of a new form of government, or at least the idea of one. It removed the American people from under the influence of the English Monarchy, and gave them a new power and explained the right of revolution. Overall, the Declaration became in inspiration, and hope for many people at the beginning of a new, free country.

I’ve always known how important the Declaration of Independence is to America’s history and I have always been grateful for what it did for our country. Included in the Declaration is an extensive list of exactly what King George III had done to the people of The States at that time. All the things listed are pretty horrible, unbearable and I am absolutely grateful that we as a nation are no longer under that sort of power.

One thing in the Declaration that particularly stands out to me is the statement just at the end that says, “We mutually pledge our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” To me this is a very powerful and meaningful pledge. The people who wrote and signed this declaration were essentially signing away their lives and admitting to an act of rebellion. These brave men could have lost their lives, their families and all that they had. However, in my opinion, no matter what happened after the Declaration was signed, these men would have never lost their honor. I believe that just by forging this document and having the faith and the determination to bring forth such a great and essential change they are truly some of the most honorable men to ever walk the planet. I am grateful for their immense sacrifice and appreciate all they had to do for America to become a free land.