This weekend, Americans celebrate 250 years of independence for our nation, borne of the inspiration of God for recognizing “certain inalienable rights” granted to mankind from our supreme God, as stated in our Declaration of Independence.

The American Revolution began around 1765 as a political movement in the thirteen colonies against what many colonists viewed as tyranny from the British government. By 1775, the colonies had come together to form a more united front against British rule. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

The conflict then became a full Revolution (war), which ended in 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, establishing the United States of America, “with Freedom and Liberty for all”.

The American Revolution also influenced the French Revolution (1789-1799) and, subsequently, the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804), when the French colony, Saint Domingue, became “Haiti” in 1804.

Historians say the three Revolutions were all intertwined as each culture sought universal human rights, that our Bill of Rights enumerated.

Have a safe, happy, and Blessed Fourth of July, and celebrate what God has given to our nation.

Rad Hazelip, Assistant Executive Director