posted by Writer on Jul 4
As we celebrate the nation’s birthday along the 150th anniversary of the historic Battle of Gettysburg, it is only fitting we begin with a few words from President Abe Lincoln; “We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain-that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom-and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” (1)
Here are a few short snippets honoring those who fought for liberty during the Revolutionary War. Were they alive today, I believe they would be furious and would turn their weapons on us, not the government, for allowing things to get so out of hand due the ignorant and apathetic state we now find ourselves in. Take time over the 4th to read the Declaration of Independence. Then take specific note of Grievance #10 and how applicable it is in our day.
Dr. Joseph Warren left a successful medical practice in Boston to fight against the
British. Although not a signer of the Declaration, he played a prominent role during this time. At the Battle of Bunker Hill he volunteered to take a position where the heaviest fighting took place and was killed by a shot to the head. British troops took his body, tossed it into a ditch after stripping off his clothing, and used their bayonets to mutilate him. (2)
Thomas Nelson Jr. signed the Declaration and commanded a militia unit. Tradition tells us when 
the British made his mansion their headquarters he ordered his men to fire on it. He suffered financially and physically because of the war, and died at age 50.
Pastor James Caldwell of New Jersey paid a tremendous cost fighting for Liberty. Even though he wasn’t a signer, he became a military chaplain and played a significant role at the Battle of Springfield. The British put a bounty out for Rev.
Caldwell, sending a sniper after his wife, who then shot her through a window while she was feeding one of her infant children. Caldwell was killed during the war forcing his children to be cared for by relatives and friends.
These men, and countless others, never had the chance to celebrate the 4th like we do.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 33:12
(1) Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863; American Minute, June 11, 2013; (2) American Minute, by William J. Federer, June 11, 2013.
July 8th, 2013 at 11:28 am
Who among our men today would stand up for what they believe as these men did? Who I ask? Or are we living among cowards. God Bless ALL those who continue to fight for what is right!