This week we will be celebrating our most beloved summer holiday on Thursday, July, 4th. Independence Day, a day that two hundred and forty-three years ago, (1) fifty-six men signed their names to a document, which they well knew would bring freedom to all Americans, or leave every one of the fifty-six hanging from the gallows, if they were to lose the war with the British that was sure to follow!
(2) As important and remembered as this date is, there are other significant dates in the journey and eventual the signing of this document.
One date in particular that surfaced the original spirit and courage which gave birth to this POWER was March 5, 1770. (3) On this date British soldiers were patrolling the streets of Boston, openly threatening the citizens by their presence. The colonists resented these armed men marching in their midst. They began to express their resentment openly, hurling stones as well as epithets, until the commanding officer gave orders, “Fix bayonets – Charge!”
(4) The battle was on. It resulted in the death and injury of many. The incident outraged two members of the Provincial Assembly, (made up of prominent colonists), those men were, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams. They spoke up courageously and declared that a move must be made to eject all British soldiers from Boston.
(5) This DECISION, in the minds of two men might properly be called the beginning of the freedom which we, of The United States, now enjoy. Remember, too, that the DECISION of these two men called for FAITH, and COURAGE because it was dangerous.
(6) Two years after the clash with the soldiers in Boston (March ’72), Samuel Adams presented this idea of a motion that a Correspondence Committee be established among the Colonies.
This Committee of Correspondence was organized thus creating our countries first Master Mind group eventually leading to the creation of our American Freedom. (7) In union, there is a strength! No group of individuals had put their hearts, minds, souls, and bodies together in one definite DECISION to settle their difficulty with the British once and for all until this moment.
This newly formed group enraged the British Governor which forced yet (8) another DECISION, equally as dangerous. Samuel Adams hurriedly called a secret meeting of their staunchest followers of which he locked the door, placed the key in his pocket, and informed all present that it was imperative that a Congress of the Colonists be organized, and that no man should leave this room until the DECISION for such a congress had been reached.
(9) On September 5, 1774, the first meeting of the Continental Congress, was held in Philadelphia. Remember this date as it is more important than July 4, 1776. If there had been no DECISION to hold a Continental Congress, there could have been no signing of the Declaration of Independence.
(10) On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee arose, addressed the Chair, and to the startled Assembly made this motion: “Gentlemen, I make the motion that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states, that they be 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.”
(11) The document was drawn, and on June 28, the original draft was read before the Congress. For several days it was discussed, altered, and made ready. On July 4, 1776, Thomas Jefferson stood before the Assembly, and fearlessly read the most momentous DECISION ever placed upon paper.
(12) When Jefferson finished, the document was voted upon, accepted, and signed by the fifty-six men, every one staking his own life upon his DECISION to write his name. By that DECISION came into existence a nation destined to bring to mankind forever, the privilege of making DECISIONS.
The principles which lead to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, are the same principles which lead to success in any undertaking; in this case DESIRE of a free nation, DECISION of COURAGE in the face of oppression, FAITH in the almighty and their cause, PERSISTENCE to follow through in spite of fear, leverage in the use of a MASTER MIND group all in the pursuit of the same goal, and strategic ORGANIZED PLANNING which created the path to the eventual desired outcome.
Practice these same principals in your business or organization and enjoy the freedom that was created for us two hundred and forty-three years ago and fought bravely for each and every day by our fabulous men and women around the globe.
Happy Independence Day, enjoy your freedom to choose how you may celebrate this day. However, and most importantly, DO NOT FORGET how we got here and all the brave souls who have sacrificed along the way. For it was their DECISION which leads us to celebrate this day!
(1) – Napoleon Hill – Think & Grow Rich – Chapter 8 – Decision – Page 130)
(2, 3, 4, 5) – Napoleon Hill – Think & Grow Rich – Chapter 8 – Decision – Page 131)
(6, 7) – Napoleon Hill – Think & Grow Rich – Chapter 8 – Decision – Page 132)
(7) – Napoleon Hill – Think & Grow Rich – Chapter 8 – Decision – Page 132)
(8, 9) – Napoleon Hill – Think & Grow Rich – Chapter 8 – Decision – Page 134)
(10, 11) – Napoleon Hill – Think & Grow Rich – Chapter 8 – Decision – Page 135)
(12) – Napoleon Hill – Think & Grow Rich – Chapter 8 – Decision – Page 136)