The signing of the Declaration of Independence represents years of efforts by noble men and women to separate from the unjust laws, and application of those laws that ruled their lives, as subjects of Great Britain. The grievances, outlined in this document, and the resolve to separate from England, came at a great cost. We often remember the opening of this declaration which reads: “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.” We can also see the price those that signed this sacred document were willing to pay, and did pay, for their liberty and the liberty of future generations as we read the last sentence in this declaration; “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.” I have to ask myself what price I would pay to defend my personal freedoms and liberties and those of others.

I was inspired by a class taught by Chris Cummings, “United States Research” to find my first ancestors that came to America and to learn about them by using the resources outlined by Chris. The video of this class has been archived and can be accessed by going to the Granite Family History website. By going to FamilySearch, and looking through my family tree, I was able to find that one of my first ancestors who came to America was John Wilbore, from Essex, England, somewhere between 1647 and 1650, he and his family settled in Newport, Rhode Island. By clicking on the timeline view, for John Wilbore, on FamilySearch, I was able to see that his family generally stayed in the area of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut over the next several generations. By checking dates and looking at John Wilbore’s descendants, I learned that Captain James Kitt Pearce (Jonn’s 4th great grandson) fought in the Revolutionary War, to defend the right for this country, my country, to have self rule, and for me to enjoy the liberties I enjoy. By spending time researching this family line and reading some of the attached documents, I feel more connected to my family and a deeper reason to celebrate the 4th of July this year. I am more appreciative of the sacrifices made for the liberties and freedoms I enjoy personally and we enjoy as a nation today.

I still plan on doing my share of flag waving, parades, picnics, and fireworks with my family, but now I feel the joy of this holiday more deeply. In a blog post written by Amie Tennant that posted today; Why Do We Celebrate the 4th of July? Aime shares some of the history of the celebration of the 4th of July, when it became a national holiday and other ideas and links to help us understand and appreciate this holiday.

I hope that all of us will take the time this 4th of July and find out more about the importance of Independence Day, the Declaration of Independence and celebrate the freedoms and liberty our forefathers fought for.

–Elaine Hardman- GFHC communications