The fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays, and as I've grown older I have reflected on what was really going on in 1776 when our nation was founded. It wasn't a peaceful, polite thing, the American Revolution. It was more than 7 years of conflict, against one of the most powerful nations on earth, and the stakes were very high.
The sacrifices were enormous.
I like to read articles like Founders risked their lives for liberty, because it contains so much good information.
"Five of the signers were captured as traitors by the British, and were tortured to death. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army. Another had two sons captured. Nine fought and died of wounds or the hardship of the war."
George Washington led an army that was often hungry, cold, and undersupplied. They often didn't get paid, or were underpaid. They often didn't have shoes. The winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge was particularly brutal. I remember years ago visiting the national park at Valley Forge and being awed by the sacrifices made by those men.
You aren't going to find anybody that's going to be successful without making a sacrifice and without perseverance. -Lou Holtz
Sacrifice is not a popular word today. It's something we all need to ponder sometimes, though.
Everything I've ever done in my own life that was worth doing required some sacrifice. My parents sacrificed so I could have a safe, secure childhood.
If you are a small business owner, you are sacrificing not simply money, but time, and hoping for the best.The hours of work and worry, the sweat, the hope, the anxiety -- all these are the results of a dream, a vision, a belief that the world needed your talents and your ideas.
Like our founding fathers, you have sacrificed.
I salute you, and wish for you success and prosperity. I celebrate your tenacity and optimism. Here's hoping you have a relaxed, happy, and safe 4th of July.
Comments