“Resolved–That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved!”
On July 4, 1776, our thirteen original colonies claimed their independence from England. Major conflict and turmoil between the colonies and England had already been at an all-time high when the colonies decided to meet in Philadelphia for a Continental Congress in the summer of 1776. That summer was rather hot, and though they needed the windows open due to the heat, they closed all the windows in order to allow no outsiders to hear their discussion. On June 7, in the Pennsylvania State House, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a resolution with the famous words:
“Resolved–That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved!”
Lee’s profound words led to the first draft of the formal Declaration of Independence. A Committee of Five was appointed to draft a statement that would present the case to the colonies for independence. Significant Members of the Committee included Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Robert R. Livingston of New York, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, John Adams of Massachusetts, and Roger Sherman of Connecticut. The one appointed to draft the final document was none other than Thomas Jefferson; who has gone down in history as one of the most well-known contributors to the Declaration of Independence.
The Lee Resolution for independence was adopted by 12 of the 13 colonies on July 1, 1776, with New York not voting. Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence had some minor revisions made to it over the next four days, but overall he did a phenomenal job at capturing the heart and spirit of this great nation. In the late afternoon of July 4, the Declaration of Independence was officially finalized and adopted. Of the 13 colonies, nine colonies voted in favor of the Declaration of Independence, two opposed — Pennsylvania and South Carolina, Delaware was unable to come to a final decision, and New York abstained from voting altogether.
For the last 241 years, the United States has celebrated July 4th as the day we laid claim, and commemorated the day we became, a truly free nation. Year after year, communities and people come together to celebrate this freedom. As the wife of a retired US Navy SEAL, who spent 17 years of his career on the west coast in a small but mighty town called Coronado, CA, I find the way we celebrate Independence Day one to be modeled after. Coronado is an island located off the coast of downtown San Diego. It is accessible by ferry from the downtown harbor, the Coronado Bridge, or by a man-made strip of land from Imperial Beach called Silver Strand, otherwise known as The Strand. My fondest memories of July 4th were spent on that little island with some of the most patriotic and heroic people in America. The July 4th celebration is not just a one-day event, it is a week-long celebration jam-packed with planned events in a number of local parks. Businesses along C Avenue and Orange Avenue join in the festivities with many families hosting BBQs in their front yards. Sports activities were abundant from catch football to baseball games to basketball. People were also known to celebrate by playing horseshoes and croquet. All of these activities are directed at paying respect to all those who fought hard and fought well for our freedom since the Revolutionary War.
The celebration of our great nation is recognized by the entire island in a way that is infectious to anyone lucky enough to be there during the week of July 4th. Flags line the median of Orange Avenue as you drive through town. Businesses and residences are blanketed in red, white and blue. Everyone dresses up in their best patriotic garb in honor of the day we won our freedom. People flock from all over to be a part of July 4th in Coronado. It is home to three military bases and our beloved Navy SEAL training center. McP’s, a nostalgic meeting place for local military and frogmen sightings, is owned by retired NSW corpsman Greg McPartlin. McP’s was a rock throw from my home and I must say I have spent some of my best days with family and friends within the confinements of its dwelling. On July 4th, all my family and friends would gather there on the patio to watch the parade go by, cheering on our men and women of honor and paying respects to those who never made it home. Coronado brings the community together, they understand wartime loss and the hardships of being without a spouse and the importance of unity among its people. Time stops on July 4th in Coronado. The day is filled with total surrender and submission to the heroism of our Founding Fathers and all who have paved the way so we can stand to say, “I am free, let freedom ring!” Bicycle or foot is the wisest form of transportation on July 4th. Children riding in wagons and bike carts with strategically attached coolers and flags waving behind them. The island’s grassy median starts filling up early with parade viewers who want a front row seat for one of the largest July 4th parades on the west coast. BBQ grills are fired up and children are playing games, and the adults are drinking their ‘adult’ beverages and reminiscing about days gone by.
On July 4th, we started the day off at the beach, catching the rays of the California sun and letting the kiddies play Founding Father Football, a game I made up years ago that consisted of red and blue flags tucked into the sides of your shorts and everyone wore a founding father’s white-haired wig. Seeing everyone trying to keep their wig on while playing flag football is not only humorous to watch but challenging!
At the end of the day, everyone has shared their stories, love, honor, and respect with fellow July 4th goers on Island. The sun sets on the day and the fireworks begin to light up the night sky over Glorietta Bay. Just then, the Star Spangled Banner begins to play, and it is in that moment tears swell in my eyes, and the full scope of July 4th comes into focus. The burden and loss of those who fought for my freedom past, present, and future. The humility, gratitude and inexpressible thanks that my husband always made it home. I have seen many losses in my time. I have seen many warriors never make it home. There are no words for the hurt it brings their family and friends, but there are words to say “I will stand with you.”
We honor you for your sacrifice and love of country; we honor you for your courage and bravery; we honor you for your ultimate sacrifice, thank you. To those still fighting for this nation’s freedom, their families, and their friends, you are the heart of the nation. You bleed true patriotism and everything it stands for. I am honored to be a part of this great community of people who believe in this nation, who want to see it succeed,and who are willing to lay their life on the line so that those present and future can live in a nation filled with possibilities and freedom.
This article is reprinted with permission from the author, former Coronado resident Jena Muller. Jena is the CEO & Founder of Trident Transitions Veteran Foundation and Director of Development for Elite Meet out of New York City. She has been a part of the US Navy SEAL community since 2006 and is an intricate part of the transitioning Special Operation Force community. With 13+ years of success-driven experience in resume/CV writing and brand management and consulting, she is bridging the gap between military and Corporate America. Jena is passionate about the success of the SOF community after the military and works tirelessly to ensure their success. She is always open to collaborate with like-minded organizations in order to assist elite military veterans into highly competitive job markets.
Originally published on Work of Honor.
