About 171 years ago, renowned abolitionist and former slave, Frederick Douglass delivered a speech to an audience celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to which he asked the question “What to the slave is the Fourth of July?”. This question invokes the same sentiment that I have wrestled with over the years as I try to understand what observing this holiday means for me. This year, I gained a little more insight of what the 4th of July means to me. A couple weeks ago, I had the distinct honor and privilege to interview Dr. Opal Lee, “Grandmother of Juneteenth”, as part of a Juneteenth Celebration at US Coast Guard Headquarters. During my interview with Dr. Lee, I posed Frederick Douglass’ question to her and asked for her reflections. She stated that Juneteenth is not a celebration just for Texas, but a time for everyone, our Nation, to acknowledge and mark the 2.5 years it took for all slaves to know and exercise their right to freedom. Dr. Lee continued on to say that Juneteenth is about celebrating the freedom of ALL people, while Fourth of July is to celebrate the freedom of our land. While to some this may be a simple distinction, for me it surmises the intent of Frederick Douglass’ question. Certainly, the ideals and achievement of political freedom by our Nation’s founders are commensurate of celebration, however I believe that true freedom was not realized until every man, woman, and child was emancipated from slavery. So as I reflect on this Independence Day, I do so with the understanding that freedom looks different for everyone. Yet, Independence of our Nation means so much more when we can all celebrate as liberated individuals, no longer enslaved to the land we cultivated or the inequitable policies that keep us bound. #independenceday #freedom
Charron McCombs’ Post
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On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States. But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas. This key American historical event finally received federal recognition in recent years: June 19, 1865—the day all people living in the United States, including the formerly enslaved, were officially granted freedom. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law making the day known as Juneteenth a national holiday. #honor #remembrance #aalam
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Happy "Hump" Day, Today, many people are off or have the option to take off to commemorate a recent holiday, "Juneteenth"! According to Wikipedia, "Juneteenth, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. The holiday's name is a portmanteau of the words "June" and "nineteenth", as it was on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War. Although this date commemorates enslaved people learning of their freedom under the Emancipation Proclamation, this only applied to former Confederate states. There remained legally enslaved people in states that never seceded from the Union. These people did not gain their freedom until the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution on December 6, 1865" (https://lnkd.in/gnt_Um4a). It begs repeating that slavery continued for almost another 3 months until December in the states that never seceded, waiting for the ratification of the 13th Amendment and giving slave holders an opportunity to plan and prepare for their new life without slavery and economic loss of their former "property". As for the slaves in these states and the slaves in Texas, they continued playing their assigned roles as slaves, until they were informed and realized that they had been granted legal freedom, which would supposedly be protected and enforced by law, by the legal system, and by law enforcement. However, as we might recall from history and Reconstruction, this freedom was not really guaranteed, and the quality of life would be threatened right through Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Movement, and many would argue, to this very day. I bring this up, because freedom is a concept that cannot be taken for granted and which we must be on guard and fight for to maintain because it can be taken from us at any time not just by physical means or by force, but more insidiously through psychology be promoting limiting beliefs, denying us our ability to dream, and taking away our hopes of mobility and advancement. So, this means that we need to be vigilant to be able to continue enjoying our freedom in every sense because it was so hard won and can be taken away so easily. In closing, this is why we commemorate Juneteenth, to ensure that we continue to enjoy and celebrate our freedom without taking it for granted and to remind us to stay alert for places where circumstances in our lives and social situations may be starting to try to erode what we and our prior generations have fought so hard to win for us. Because of them, we are able to dream of a brighter future, to strive for further financial and time freedom, and to work to craft the life that we desire. Email me, Mr.Francis.Lora.RFM@gmail.com, to respond and for more or comment below!
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In 1776, five men formed what was called the “Committee of Five” and drafted into life a document called the Declaration of Independence. This declaration proposed 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.” This document, adopted on July 4th, 1776, was soon signed by 56 delegates of Continental Congress and the United States of America declared its independence. This fourth of July holiday, take a moment to reflect on the hard-won liberties and freedom protected by those before us who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. Of the 56 members that signed the Declaration of Independence, nine signers died of wounds during the revolutionary war. Five were captured or imprisoned. Wives and children were killed, jailed, mistreated, or left penniless. Twelve signers’ houses were burned to the ground. Seventeen lost everything they owned. No signer defected. President Reagan said in his inaugural speech, “Freedom is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. And those in world history who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again.” Let Freedom Ring and Happy Independence Day. #1776 #freedomisnotfree #madeinus #happybirthdayamerica #independenceday #integralengineering #govcon #securingfreedom
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Abraham Lincoln was shot on April 14, 1865, in the Ford Theatre in Washington, D.C., and he died on April 15, 1865. He was America’s 16th and arguably its greatest president thus far. He was the first person elected from the Republican Party as president of these United States in the presidential election of November 6, 1860. The Republican Party had been founded six years earlier in 1854 by antislavery democrats after the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Lincoln served as president during the American Civil War between the slavery-supporting Confederate States and antislavery Union (1861-1865). He signed the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, and it became effective on January 1, 1863. His Emancipation Proclamation became the underpinning for the three immediate post-civil war amendments to the U.S. Constitution — the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments — which began the process of granting equal rights to all Americans. He was not a perfect man at all, but he did some great things for the United States. Lincoln is one of the eight U.S. presidents who’ve died in office: four died by assassinations, and four from natural causes. Abraham Lincoln, JFK, MLK, and many other great Americans were killed just because they wanted America to be true to what it said in its Declaration of Independence and Constitution— equality for all — but a certain group of Americans didn’t want that. I love Abraham Lincoln like a trusted ally. #history #worldhistory #ushistory #americanhistory #globalevents #northamerica #abrahamlincoln #uspolitics #usconstitution
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🇺🇸 Get ready to celebrate Independence Day in just 2 days! Did you know that Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776? This historic document declared the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule, marking the birth of the United States of America. As we gear up for fireworks, BBQs, and time with loved ones, let's take a moment to reflect on the significance of this day in our nation's history. It's a time to honor the courage and resilience of our founding fathers, who fought for freedom and democracy. So, whether you're watching a parade, enjoying a picnic, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the freedoms we have today, let's come together to celebrate the spirit of independence that unites us as Americans. Happy early Fourth of July! #manufacturing #supplychain #solutions
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🎆 Celebrating the 4th of July: A Tribute to Our Freedoms 🎆 As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the significance of this historic day and what it means for our freedoms. Independence Day is more than just fireworks and barbecues; it’s a celebration of the values and principles that define our nation. On July 4th, 1776, our founding fathers made a courageous decision to declare independence, laying the foundation for a nation built on liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness. This day symbolizes the birth of a country where freedom and democracy are cherished and protected. The freedoms we enjoy today – freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom to pursue our dreams – are a direct result of the sacrifices and vision of those who came before us. It’s a reminder that freedom is not free, and it requires ongoing commitment and vigilance to uphold and protect. As we come together with family and friends to celebrate this important day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the liberties we have and recognize the responsibilities that come with them. Let's honor those who have fought and continue to fight to preserve these freedoms. Happy Independence Day! Let’s celebrate our freedom, reflect on our shared values, and look forward to a future filled with possibilities. 🎆 #IndependenceDay #FourthOfJuly #Freedom #Liberty #Patriotism #CelebrateFreedom
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Juneteenth, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. The holiday's name is a portmanteau of the words "June" and "nineteenth", as it was on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War. Although this date commemorates enslaved people learning of their freedom under the Emancipation Proclamation, this only applied to former Confederate states. There remained legally enslaved people in states that never seceded from the Union. These people did not gain their freedom until the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution on December 6, 1865. #juneteenth #juneteenth2024 #freedom #Independence #racialequity
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July 4th, also known as Independence Day in the United States, is to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. This historic document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, declared the thirteen American colonies' independence from British rule. Key aspects of the meaning of July 4th include: 1. Celebration of Freedom: It marks the birth of the United States as an independent nation and symbolizes its commitment to freedom, democracy, and self-governance. 2. Patriotism: The day is an opportunity for Americans to express their patriotism and pride in their country through various traditions, including fireworks, parades, and patriotic displays. 3. Reflection on History: It's a time to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices made by the founding fathers and others who fought for independence and the ideals of liberty and justice. 4. Unity and Community: Independence Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and coming together as a community to celebrate shared values and heritage. 5. Cultural Significance: The holiday is deeply ingrained in American culture, with various customs and practices have evolved over the years, contributing to a sense of national identity. Overall, July 4th is a day to celebrate the historical significance of the Declaration of Independence and the principles upon which the United States was founded. #America #Independance #FoundingFathers #Sacrafices #GarySilverthornLeadership
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July 4th, also known as Independence Day in the United States, is to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. This historic document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, declared the thirteen American colonies' independence from British rule. Key aspects of the meaning of July 4th include: 1. Celebration of Freedom: It marks the birth of the United States as an independent nation and symbolizes its commitment to freedom, democracy, and self-governance. 2. Patriotism: The day is an opportunity for Americans to express their patriotism and pride in their country through various traditions, including fireworks, parades, and patriotic displays. 3. Reflection on History: It's a time to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices made by the founding fathers and others who fought for independence and the ideals of liberty and justice. 4. Unity and Community: Independence Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and coming together as a community to celebrate shared values and heritage. 5. Cultural Significance: The holiday is deeply ingrained in American culture, with various customs and practices have evolved over the years, contributing to a sense of national identity. Overall, July 4th is a day to celebrate the historical significance of the Declaration of Independence and the principles upon which the United States was founded. #America #Independance #FoundingFathers #Sacrafices #GarySilverthornLeadership
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The meaning behind the 4th of July is multifaceted: Declaration of Independence: The day marks the formal statement by the American colonies asserting their freedom and independence from British rule. It symbolizes the birth of the United States as an independent nation. Symbol of Freedom: Independence Day is a celebration of liberty, self-governance, and the principles of democracy that the United States was founded upon. It represents the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice. National Unity: It is a day that brings Americans together across diverse backgrounds to celebrate their shared heritage and values. It fosters a sense of national pride and unity. Patriotism and Reflection: The 4th of July encourages reflection on the history, sacrifices, and achievements that have shaped the nation. It is a time to honor those who have fought for and defended American freedoms. Traditions and Celebrations: Fireworks, parades, concerts, barbecues, and family gatherings are common ways Americans celebrate Independence Day. These traditions reinforce a sense of community and belonging. #backyardbbq #fireworks #rememberthosethatsacrificed
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Office of Shore Forces staff at U.S. Coast Guard
3moThat’s really powerful - thank you for sharing Charon!