07/03/2026
THE GLORIOUS CAUSE
From time to time, I am asked to recommend the best book on the American Revolution. As a student of American history, I often recommend David McCullough’s "1776", which examines the pivotal year of America’s independence. Even so, most Americans today may find it difficult to fully grasp the extraordinary transformation that led to this nation’s founding. As many readers recognize, "1776" is an excellent place to begin. More than anything, it serves as a prologue to a great God who blessed us with grit, perseverance, sacrifice, and determination that helped shape history and establish a nation grounded in the promise of liberty.
Indeed, the chances of American victory in 1776 were extraordinarily slim; viewed against the nation’s 250 years of survival, those odds appear even more remarkable.
On July 2, when the vote for independence was cast and the Declaration of Independence entered history, none of its signers could have fully foreseen the suffering, defeat, heartbreak, failure, and ruin that awaited them. The second Continental Congress comprised of 56 men whose genius and determination harnessed lightening in a bottle. Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the eldest at 70, while Edward Rutledge of South Carolina was the youngest at 26. In practical terms, signing the Declaration placed each man at grave risk; if captured by the British, he faced certain ex*****on. Why, then, were they willing to do so?
Because they valued liberty far beyond and above security. This conviction stands in sharp contrast to elements of contemporary culture, in which many appear willing to exchange liberty for the comfort or allure of temporary security. Many of the 56 suffered ruin, horrific personal losses and tragic deaths over the next several years. Never returning to the life they once knew.
And while we now have one generation blaming the other for its failures, KNOW THAT WE MUST NOW make our words resonate in this time. It is OUR duty to become the effulgent light of what defines this glorious cause and to become the better angels of keeping America’s story thriving.
The gap between Franklin and Rutledge was 44 years, coincidently, the average age of all the Signers. A considerable chasm when it came to time, but they both shared the same objective and vision when it came to getting America on its feet.
Thomas Jefferson’s initial draft of the Declaration was greatly compromised, and one that he never lived down. But even he knew that time was running out and that the 13 colonies had little choice but to stand together if to prevail. At 33, he was already immortal, and for anyone today who takes the time to read his indelible parchment finds his closing argument to be both chilling and spectacularly courageous.
“For the support of this declaration with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor”. And they did.
So, find some time this week to keep Jefferson’s words alive. Read them, recite them and challenge your children. Perhaps most importantly your children’s children. Wake their spirits, instill in their souls that America is a resplendent place worth protecting. Above all, gift them a cherished reason to understand that Liberty remains OUR greatest and yet most fragile cause.
Happy 250th Independence Day to all of you.
God Bless and Godspeed in your travels.
Greg Dellinger
