One of my favorite eras to learn about is the time surrounding the birth of our nation. I am inspired by the men who had the vision to see and realize the importance of liberty and freedom. The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. There are many beautiful ideas and truths in this document, and for many, it has either been a long time, or they have never read the Declaration. Indulge me as I share some of my favorite parts with you:
"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. -- That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -- that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable then to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security...
We have warned [the British] from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitable interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General congress Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for rectitude of our intentions, do in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That the United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are 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; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of the 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." This is then followed by 56 signatures including John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.
The Declaration of Independence was signed 232 years ago, but it is still important to remember its teachings today. Remember that the government has a responsibility toward the people. When the government starts abusing its power, the people have the responsibility to stop it, even if it means voting for an "unpopular" candidate.
Recently I was talking with some friends about Germany and in particular Hitler. Someone mentioned how they don't understand how Germany could fall for someone so evil. I reminded them that Hitler didn't appear to be evil in the beginning. Germany was shattered after World War I. The Allies did not only defeat Germany, but they destroyed the country's pride and honor in hopes to prevent another war. In response, a young charismatic leader by the name of Adolf Hitler began his rise to power. People responded to his patriotism and his visions for the future. He promised changes that the people of Germany desperately desired. Once he gained his power, he was able to become a tyrant and follow through with all his evil designs.
I think about this country. We have a lot to be grateful for, but we are also struggling with a lot of things. I worry that we will get swept up in the charismatic leader who promises a lot of changes right away. Not that I would go as far as to call any candidate a "wanna-be-Hitler", but often people get swept up in the idea that we need to change many things in order to get this country back on track. I agree that there are some necessary changes, but instead of drifting further from our foundation, we must return to stable and sturdy ground from whence we were built.
According to the Declaration of Independence, we have the responsibility to hold the Government in check. This does not mean that we must start a Revolution every time we think the Government is swaying from where they should be. The Founding Fathers had tried for years to use the law and the system of Government to inspire change, and they were stopped at every angle. We must use the law, and the Government to inspire change. We are the only ones that can do it; by getting honorable men and women in office, who love this country, and desire to maintain our rights and liberties. Loving the Country, though, is not enough. We need people who are not concerned about how much power they have. We need a government who doesn't control every aspect of life. The kind of government that has worked for 232 years, is one where the people have responsibilities for themselves, and the freedoms and liberties to decide what is best for them. It is that government that I am putting my faith behind.
Today is a day of celebration. Happy birthday Nation that I love. Thank you for remembering God, and putting Him on your currency and in your documents. Thank you for being a Nation that allows people from all walks of life to experience Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. I pray that God will continue to look down on this Nation, this Promised Land, and that "we the People" will continue to uphold and fight for the rights and truths that we "hold to be self-evident". May we never forget, and may we take the time to celebrate our Liberties. Happy Independence Day!
Sierra and Papa ended up getting matching umbrella hats to keep the sun off of their faces, and Sophie was a real trooper, even though she grew tired of the heat and the loud noises of sirens and drums. The best part of the parade though was to see the Prophet, President Monson, ride by with his wife. They were so cute. At first he was looking the other direction, but Mom called to him, and he turned his head, smiled, and waved right to us! It was amazing. I have known that he is a Prophet of God, but today it was reconfirmed in my mind and in my heart. 
There is a powerful spirit around him that I could feel. I'm so grateful to have a prophet on the earth today, and I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to see him no more than a few feet away from me. I'm so grateful for my pioneer ancestors who have left me a legacy of faith to build on. I'm grateful that I've had the chance to reflect today on the blessings that the Restoration of the Gospel has brought into my life, and the lives of my family and friends. I hope that you can all take a moment to reflect on the legacies of faith in your lives as well. This has been a fabulous Pioneer Day! The best one yet!!
