250 Years of Liberty

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, delegates approved the final text of the Declaration of Independence, enshrining a set of principles that would reshape not only a nation, but the course of history.

Among those principles was what may be the most influential sentence of the last 250 years:

“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.”

Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the most profound portion of this statement may be its opening words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident."

The truths that followed were anything but self-evident throughout most of human history. For centuries, societies have been organized around systems that concentrated authority in the hands of a few. Men were rarely treated as equals, and rights were often viewed as grants from rulers rather than inherent possessions of every individual.

The concept of natural rights existed in philosophy long before 1776, but never before had a nation been founded upon the principle that rights come not from government, but from God. The Declaration boldly asserted that human beings possess certain rights by virtue of their creation, and that no government has the authority to rightfully take them away.

Thinkers such as John Locke helped develop these ideas, but America's Founders deserve enduring credit for transforming them from philosophical concepts into the foundation of a new nation.

The Declaration continues:

"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

This statement represented a dramatic departure from the prevailing view of government. For much of history, political authority flowed downward from kings, emperors, and ruling elites. The governed existed to serve the state.

The Declaration reversed that relationship. Government, it argued, exists to serve the people, and its legitimacy depends upon their consent.

While earlier documents such as the Mayflower Compact reflected elements of self-government, the Declaration of Independence elevated these principles to a universal standard and placed them at the center of a nation's founding.

For these ideas, Americans owe a profound debt of gratitude to the Founders. We also owe gratitude to the men and women who sacrificed to secure independence in what remains one of history's great underdog victories.

Here in South Carolina, that legacy is especially meaningful.

Our state played a critical role in the Revolutionary War and produced leaders whose names have become woven into American history. Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox," became famous for his disciplined and innovative guerrilla tactics. Thomas Sumter, the "Gamecock," earned a reputation for his relentless determination and aggressive leadership.

We should also remember Andrew Pickens, one of South Carolina's most accomplished military leaders, who helped secure the decisive Patriot victory at the Battle of Cowpens in 1781. That victory proved instrumental in turning the tide of the war in the Southern colonies and ultimately helped pave the way for American independence.

The lesson of America's founding is both simple and enduring. The principles articulated in our founding documents, and the sacrifices made by those who fought to defend them, continue to offer guidance today.

America is a unique nation, and South Carolina is a remarkable state. Both possess histories marked by triumphs and shortcomings. Yet throughout their histories, both have demonstrated a persistent commitment to pursuing a more perfect future.

The principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and later protected by the Constitution remain worthy of preservation. On this Fourth of July, 250 years after our Founders made the courageous decision to declare independence, we should remember their example and recommit ourselves to the ideals they entrusted to future generations.

In parting, I leave you with the words of Samuel Adams:

“The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending against all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks.”