The time for celebrating our nation's 250th birthday is near

It’s finally here! Took 250 years but here we are, a vibrant nation of 350 million people with a proud heritage ready to celebrate the 4th of July again. And, perhaps, you already have your 250th decorations — a pole flag, front door wreath, yard banner, mailbox cover, or patriotic 250 T-Shirt with matching cap.

Harvard historian David Armitage submits “… before July 1776, no single ‘People’ had publicly and legally announced their desire for ‘the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them…”

Our 13 United Colonies began this epic adventure with 56 signatures on a two page “Declaration of Independence” from Britain’s King George III. Radical? Yes. Dangerous? Yes. Question: would you have signed?

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

In fact, “our ideals” spread rather quickly to London, Scotland, Ireland, Dutch and German states, Scandinavia, Southern Europe, and especially France where bloody revolts destroyed monarchy but opened the door to Napoleon Bonaparte’s dictatorship.

Primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, multiple drafts were produced before a Committee of Five copy reached the Continental Congress for approval. On July 4,1776, Philadelphia printer John Dunlap began distributing copies to Committees of Safety throughout the colonies.

Following a public reading in New York’s Bowling Green Park, the crowd pulled down a metal statue of King George III and used it (melted) for musket balls. And, as often said, the rest is history.

Decades later Independence Day would be celebrated on various July dates. Not until 1870 (after our Civil War) did Congress recognize July 4 as an official holiday. In 1938 (before World War II) Independence Day became a paid federal holiday.

But we must not leave the Declaration dangling alone. There are a couple of important attachments — the U.S. Constitution with its Bill of Rights.

At Independence Hall in Philadelphia (1787) from May into September the founding fathers, greatly influenced by English common law and Enlightenment liberalism, looked to create a federal government with quasi-independent states.

Most important was the Constitution’s first three articles that embodied the doctrine of “separation of powers” (no kings allowed) This produced a federal government divided into an executive President, a bicameral Congress, and a Supreme Court, each with assigned duties and limited authority.

Then came additional changes. Its first 10 amendments, known collectively as the “Bill of Rights,” offer specific protections for citizens with restrictions on the powers of a federal government overseeing state rights. (Footnote: North Carolina was among the last to sign-off on the Constitution until a Bill of Rights was attached.)

Now it’s time to party. Let’s celebrate our United States of America history — with all of its ups and downs over these 250 years. Maybe you have a 4th of July cook-out scheduled and plan to join a local parade or witness a fireworks display.

Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, will celebrate with historic exhibits, parades, fireworks, and the placement of a Time Capsule at Independence Mall.

Remember, this is a 250th United States of America party with large and small events planned by counties, states, and the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. Hopefully one or more activities will touch all 350 million citizens.

Its first event was the U.S. Army 250th Anniversary Washington parade last year. Now on June 14 a championship mixed-martial arts event will happen on the White House south lawn. July 5th has been labeled for Potluck Picnics.

And remember to visit a National Park or two during this special year. Locally, at the least, stop by the old Burke Courthouse in downtown Morganton to examine an outdoor display of our U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Enjoy! But also think about our nation’s future, the next 50 years — the one we want to leave for our grandchildren.