Today we recognize and celebrate 250 years since that warm afternoon in Philadelphia when our founding fathers took the incredibly courageous step of signing the Declaration of Independence from King George and the British empire. It was one remarkable act.
Would present-day Americans take such a bold step? Christian theologian, Francis Schaeffer, a brilliant minister in the late 20th century, wrote that modern society “has adopted two impoverished values: personal peace and affluence.” Undoubtedly many of the colonists (i.e. Loyalists) living a relatively comfortable life at the time would have preferred to accept the status quo and avoid conflict.
But most of the colonists took the leap. There is little doubt that the inspiring words of the Declaration of Independence led many colonists who were on the fence toward armed rebellion. Even today, those hoary 18th-century words of the founding fathers ring with power and emotion:
When in the Course of human events … the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God … 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.
The Declaration is remarkable, full of brilliant, powerful words written primarily by a 33-year-old Virginian and future president, Thomas Jefferson, and edited by a 40-year-old Massachusetts lawyer and future president, John Adams. But let’s give credit to ALL who signed the Declaration, for in doing so they put it all on the line.
Copies of the product of the bold and articulate founding signatories were sent throughout the colonies and often read aloud in public places, such as general stores, inns, and town squares. The words of the Declaration were electric, inspiring many colonists to bold action. There was apparently little worry about “personal peace and affluence” from our colonial forefathers and mothers.
Throughout our 250 years, America has truly been blessed with brilliant speeches, writings, and orations that move and inspire us. Today is the ideal day to recall some of America’s inspiring words.
In 1779, John Paul Jones, a Scotsman turned American, commanded an American frigate in a naval battle with a British ship-of-war off England’s coast. During the fight, the British commander demanded that Jones surrender. “I have not yet begun to fight!” Jones returned loudly.
In 1933, during the darkest days the of the Great Depression, Franklin Roosevelt was elected president. His inauguration words calmed the nation, “[F]irst of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
During World War II, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower said these words, presumably through speakers to Allied soldiers onboard the armada of ships before the invasion of France on D-Day:
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade. … The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies … you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. … I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory.
In the Pacific in October 1944, Gen. Douglas MacArthur radioed these words upon the invasion of the Philippines:
Rally. Let the indomitable spirit of Bataan and Corregidor lead on.
As the lines of battle roll forward … rise and strike.
Strike at every favorable opportunity.
For your homes and hearths – strike!
For future generations of your sons and daughters, strike!
In the name of your sacred dead – strike!
Let no heart be faint.
Let every arm be steeled.
The guidance of Divine God points the way.
Follow his name to the Holy Grail of Righteous Victory.
Gen. George Patton enjoyed bold, short, catchy retorts in the language of his soldiers during World War II. On one occasion, Patton said: “The shortest way home is through Berlin and Tokyo. And when we get to Berlin, I am personally going to shoot that paper hanging [SOB] Hitler, just like I’d shoot a snake!”
Eloquence can be short, but noble. On Dec. 22, 1944, the Americans were surrounded by German military forces in the strategic Belgium town of Bastogne. It was brutally cold, snowy, and violent. The German general sent an ultimatum to American Gen. Anthony McAuliffe demanding surrender or possible annihilation. McAuliffe sent this response, “To the German Commander, NUTS!” The Americans held out and were fortunately relieved shortly thereafter.
Few question that President Abraham Lincoln’s words in the Gettysburg Address constitute a pivotal point in our history. Lincoln’s words are still frequently quoted, reading, “[W]e here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Another pivotal point in our history is the fall of the Berlin Wall. No one deserves more credit for this than President Ronald Reagan. In 1987, Reagan challenged the Soviet leader in a stirring speech in just outside the Brandenburg Gate:
Behind me stands a wall that encircles the free sectors of this city … As long as this gate is closed, as long as this scar of a wall is permitted to stand, it is not the German question alone that remains open, but the question of freedom for all mankind….
General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace …. come here to this gate!
Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate!
Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
John Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration words seem quaint in a time when so many make demands for American booty and taxpayers’ largesse, but they’re still worthy of our attention:
Let the word go forth from this time and place … that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage….
… my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.
Obviously, eloquence can come in forms beyond speech. Irving Berlin, a Jewish songwriter wrote a song during World War I that drew little interest. But 20 years later, the song caught on, perhaps thanks to the beloved singer Kate Smith giving voice to “God Bless America” on a radio show.
On this 250th anniversary of America, let’s all take one moment to speak our own words to our forefathers who boldly signed the Declaration – and especially to those who died in war for our freedom – “ALL HONOR AND GLORY TO THEIR NAMES.”
Marvin Rogers is an Assistant Attorney General for the Alabama Oil and Gas Board in Tuscaloosa. He and his wife are longtime subscribers of 1819 News. He has previously contributed to 1819 News. Several years ago, he wrote an intriguing mystery novel, The Bermuda Indenture. He also teaches at Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and referees high school football. You may reach him at [email protected].
This culture article was made possible by The Fred & Rheta Skelton Center for Cultural Renewal, a project of 1819 News. To comment on this article, please email [email protected]. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
