USA Independence Day
July 4
For citizens of the USA, July 4 is Independence Day. It commemorates the signing of our Declaration of Independence on this date in 1776. Though one could successfully argue that the American Revolutionary War for independence from England had already begun, this act marked the official beginning of the war for it framed the objective of the current struggle.
After a significant American victory at Saratoga in October, 1777, France recognized American independence and entered the war in 1778. French involvement proved decisive. Thanks to a French naval victory the English general Cornwalli
s was unable to escape, and he surrendered in Yorktown, Virginia.
By now the other European Powers were seeing an opportunity to weaken England and joined the fight, though France remained our only official ally. The English pro-war party lost enough seats in parliament in 1782 to lose control, and the new parliament voted to end offensive actions in North America. However the war continued in Europe and India. After a major French victory at Gibraltar, the English and French signed a peace treaty. As part of that treaty, the French demanded the English recognize the USA. This “Treaty of Paris,” signed September 3, 1783, marks the end of the American Revolutionary War.
Independence Day is a civil holiday, not a church holiday. That being said, I expect many churches in the USA had some sort of patriotic theme or music this past Sunday.
Happy birthday, America!
Prayer: Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people. Support us in defending our liberties, and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. .