W. Howard Coop, 32°
111 Dogwood Drive, Lancaster, Kentucky 40444–1034

For 225 years, July 4 has been observed as Independence Day, for, on that day in 1776, the Second Continental Congress, in session in Philadelphia, adopted the Declaration of Independence. That act broke political ties with England and made that document the cornerstone upon which this nation was founded. Through the years, observance of the Fourth of July has been marked by joyous celebration and patriotic fervor accompanied by extravagant displays of fireworks. There is, however, another, more productive way to celebrate that momentous occasion. Every thoughtful citizen of this country could, and should, take time to read the Declaration of Independence. This exercise, which you are sure to enjoy, should take less than ten minutes.

Written by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence consists of 1,346 words and was signed by 56 stalwart colonial patriots, nine of them known to be Masons: John Hancock, the President of the Congress, Benjamin Franklin, Joseph Hewes, William Ellery, William Hooper, Robert Treat Paine, Richard Stockton, George Walton, and William Whipple.

These men loved liberty, despised tyranny, and were willing to risk their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor for the cause they espoused. Since adopted, this document has been called many things. In a compendium of American literature, Rewey Belle Inglis referred to it as "the greatest piece of literature to come out of the Revolution." Inglis went on to call it "one of the noblest political documents of all time" and "the heart of the argument for political freedom." Likewise, Tom Peete Cross called it "the noblest human utterance concerning freedom." Whatever else it may be called, the Declaration of Independence is a foundation stone of the American way of life and a document that has become not only a charter of liberty but also a beacon of hope for all people everywhere who love freedom and strive for it.

In 1776, a "declaration" in English law was a precise statement of a cause of action. Written in that fashion, the Declaration of Independence is made up of four distinct parts. It has (1) a preamble which states the purpose of American people to become independent, (2) a philosophy of government which justifies revolution under certain conditions, (3) a list of oppressive measures imposed by the King that caused intolerable conditions, and (4) a conclusion which proclaimed American independence.

This year, as a part of your celebration of Independence Day, read the Declaration of Independence and think seriously about what it says. Do so and you will come to a new realization of this great freedom document's value as one of the most precious possessions of this nation.

W. Howard Coop is a retired United Methodist Minister and has been a Mason since 1952. He is a Past Master of Lancaster Lodge No. 104, currently serving as Chaplain and member of Lancaster Chapter No. 56 R.A.M. and the Scottish Rite Bodies of Louisville, Kentucky.