This weekend marks the 245th anniversary of the divine and glorious occasion in which 56 patriots gathered in the Pennsylvania State House—now known to Americans as Independence Hall—on what Jefferson would describe as a mild and partly cloudy day in the heart of Philadelphia to vote on the passage of the Declaration of Independence.

The most essential of the eternal truths laid forward in that document are well known, but they bear repeating:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Our world changed forever, on that afternoon in July, when those ideas, once merely abstractions printed in pamphlets, became a reality embossed on parchment.

But let me be clear—this was not merely a task of self-determination, and it was more than political will: it was treason against the Crown, punishable by death.

The Continental Congress’ vote to affirm Jefferson’s Declaration marked the advent of a new era of American resolve that carried over from generation to generation for more than two centuries.

But it was what happened after the vote that bred the spirit of righteous American indignation towards overbearing power.

It’s disputed as to exactly when the 56 signers of the Declaration affixed their name to the document, but what few ever consider is that the actual act of signing the document was not a requirement for it to take effect, for independence to be declared—it was superfluous, needless.

Nevertheless, the Founders wanted to send a clear message to King George and to tyrants everywhere; and they most certainly did. John Hancock, whose name has now become synonymous with signatures, is even said to have remarked:

“There! I guess King George will be able to read that,” followed by proclaiming that members of the Congress “must now all hang together,” to which Benjamin Franklin replied: “Yes, we must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

The response in the colonies was enthusiastic. After hearing the Declaration read aloud, crowds in many cities tore down and destroyed signs or statues representing royal authority. An equestrian statue of King George in New York City was pulled down, and the lead was used to make musket balls.

The revolution against Great Britain began in earnest, with a renewed spirit of tangible independence that was within reach, following that fateful Thursday in Philadelphia.

It’s important to know history, obviously. It contributes to national pride; it’s a cornerstone of American Patriotism; it’s something we all learned in school—at least I hope that’s still the case (though I have my doubts.)

So why did I feel the need to recount it all to you?

Because this Independence Day Weekend, the republic those 56 Founders set in motion 245 years ago is in a more precarious state than at any point since the Civil War.

It’s been over a year since we found ourselves “allowed” to gather for the Fourth of July. That didn’t stop some from living their lives, and good for those who carried on the spirit of 1776 in the summer of 2020. But by and large, We The People sat back and allowed ourselves to be steamrolled by tyranny.

We all know the story—we lived through it. Anyone who dared buck the decree of the “public health experts” became labeled a killer of grandmas—an “anti-science” heretic whose aversion to acceptable groupthink was an affront to national unity.

So we stayed at home. We didn’t celebrate. There were no parades. The National Mall was walled off, our National Archive was padlocked shut for “public health” purposes, leaving inside of it the very Declaration which gave us our independence stowed away in darkness and solitude on a night normally set aglow by fireworks and abuzz with patriotic cheer.

Thomas Jefferson rolled over in his grave. King George cheered from his. And our government paid close attention to our acquiescence.

President Joe Biden, in his first public address after taking office, made it a point to note that we may be allowed to celebrate America today:

“If we do this together, by 4 July, there is a good chance you, your family, and friends can get together in your backyard or in your neighborhood and have a cookout or a barbecue and celebrate Independence Day.”

For a man who’s been alive for nearly one-third of our nation’s history, he is shockingly (but unsurprisingly) incognizant of how un-American that statement comes across.

So what is the most American thing you could possibly do this weekend?

Be free. Embody the bold independence that swept the streets of those thirteen colonies in 1776. Be unwavering in your commitment to celebrating the formation of this nation, the greatest to ever exist on the face of the earth.

Harness the righteous indignation of John Hancock—loudly let it be known that no occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will tell you how you are to celebrate your independence, your home, or your American heritage. Be with your family. Join your friends. Greet your neighbors.

Take off the masks. Be known to one another. Spread that spirit of freedom as if it were as contagious as the virus which threatened freedom’s very existence on these shores for the past year.

I’m imploring you to take this weekend and, like the Colonial Army did after they first heard that beautiful Declaration read aloud, use it as a springboard to victory.

Propel your patriotism forward and create a fierce momentum to save America and seize it from the grip of tyrants who’d seek to pervert it from our Founders’ vision.

John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, in April 1777—less than a year after the first Independence Day:

“Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it.”

Celebrate America this weekend. Be free and independent this weekend. And most importantly—be an American this weekend that those who came before us would be proud to call their posterity and a fellow patriot.

Happy Independence Day, everybody, and God Bless these United States of America.