July 2018

Greetings NNOA Family and Welcome to the Jubilant month of July!

As we approach the 4th of July/Independence Day, let us pause to reflect upon a few fun facts about the birth of our nation  I enjoy watching a wonderful, old-fashioned parade! Hearing the marching band and seeing them march in step down main street in their gleaming purple and gold new uniforms.  Little ones sitting up strong on a loved ones’ shoulders as they point toddler fingers, watching the band play on.

When we return to the root of anything, we can always understand it’s fruit.  Our nation was founded by a chorus of gentlemen from similar educational backgrounds. They shared similar religious views and knowledge of foreign and domestic policies.
Only John Hancock actually signed the Declaration of independence on July 4, 1776.  All the others signed later.  The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men from 13 colonies.  The average ages of the Signers of the Declaration of independence was 45.  The youngest was Thomas Lynch, Jr. 27 of South Carolina.  The oldest delegate was Benjamin Franklin 70 of Pennsylvania.  The lead author of the Declaration, Thomas Jefferson, was 33.  One out to eight signers of the Declaration of Independence were educated at Harvard, 7 total.  The only two signers of the Declaration of Independence who later served as President of the United States were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.  The stars on the original American flag were in a circle so all the Colonies would appear equal.  The first Independence Day celebration took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.  This was also the same date the Declaration of Independence was first read in public after people were summoned by the ringing of the Liberty Bell.

I hope that you enjoy your 4th of July/Independence Holiday, pause to reflect upon the conception and birth of this great nation and how It really came into existence today.  As you enjoy time with your loved ones over barbeque and fresh peach ice cream, don’t forget to whisper a word of Thanksgiving for the liberty and pray for those that liberty is still a dream.

Rev. Kimberly Cain, NNOA Chaplain