This letter is not only in preparation for our celebration of our countries 250th anniversary, but a small amount of history, talking about the Declaration of Independence. So we look at our world histories we find out in regard to time that it’s a small time when compared to the Roman Empire which lasted 1,458 years, the Czars of Russia 300 years, the Chinese dynasties 300 years, or the Kings of Great Britain 1,200 years, and the list goes on. But the key point of America’s 250 years is it was formalized as a Democracy on June 21, 1788.

The title that I have given my letter is a quote by Patrick Henry, on March 23, 1775, at the second Virginia conference, to urge the colonizers to prepare for war against Great Britain, which was under the rule of King George III from 1760-1820.

It was our colonizers who called him a tyrant, or maybe a dictator, Czar, or premier. One thing they had in common was they were all at the top of the food chain, which meant they all had power and money. Not a democracy that we’re blessed to live in.

As a democracy we need to get back to God, Country and Family. Which means law and order, and a concern for living in a democracy. Something that is not being appreciated by the young and old alike in many places.

If we had wise people running our country they would want us all to know the whole true history of our country! Including four races of slaves, red, yellow, black, and white.

In the Declaration of Independence it says in bold print, “All men are created equal”. If we studied our history we would know why people have come to our country. It’s for freedom from tyranny, freedom of religion, and to have what the rich had under the monarchies, land and the opportunity to have what only the rich and elite had in the elitist lands of Europe and Asia, and for a while in the Americas.

In the Revolutionary War, there were an estimated 45,000-50,000 colonizers and the continental that lost their lives. Of those 6,800 were lost in battle, and the rest were lost to disease, malnutrition, brutal conditions, and imprisonment. The British lives lost was 20-24,000, 7,500 – 10,500 were lost on the battlefield, and 12,500 to disease. Also lost were 2-3 thousand American Indians who fought on both sides.

Our 13 colonies rejected Great Britain’s Monarchy and it has been through our other warriors who laid down their lives for what many young and old are taking for granted. Our life, liberty, freedom and Democracy!

It was on August 2, 1776, that the actual signing of the Declaration of Independence took place by the 56 delegates of the 13 colonies.

Another thing that we were never taught was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence!

As I suggested from an earlier historical stand point. How do you feel about giving me liberty or death?

As always, God please bless America for another 250 plus years..

Larry Ritz, New Martinsville