Remembering Sacrifices this Fourth

Two hundred and thirty-five years ago this coming Monday, the Declaration of Independence had been written with 50 delegates from the 13 states preparing to sign.

It would be seven years until that act culminated in the colonies becoming a separate country.

Thomas Jefferson is attributed with composing the eloquent words of the Declaration.

Of course, our town, Monticello, is named after Thomas Jefferson’s home. It is pronounced differently in Virginia where the Jefferson home is located. In Italian, Monticello means “little mountain.”
Each year on the 4th of July, Jefferson’s home, Monticello, hosts a Naturalization Ceremony. Since 1963, 3,000 persons have become United States citizens standing on “little mountain.” Thomas Jefferson would be proud.

This year’s speaker at the Naturalization Ceremony also has a Georgia connection. Muhtar Kent, CEO of Atlanta-based Coca-Cola, will be the featured speaker. He holds a dual citizenship with the United States and Turkey.

Jefferson said that the 4th of July was a day to celebrate “the great birthday of our Republic.” Sometimes between the fireworks, hot dogs and hamburgers, and cool ones, we forget the importance of this particular day in our history.

Put out the red, white, and blue and remember the sacrifices that so many have given to this country in the past 235 years.
Happy 4th of July from sea to shining sea!