Think back to July 4, 1776, and what led up to the significance of that date.

A dissident group of leaders of the 13 American colonies, assembled in Philadelphia and known as the Second Continental Congress, had decided to declare their home localities “free and independent States; [and] that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown.”

It was treason that could have ended in their deaths, but it was the humble beginning of the rise of the greatest, richest and most powerful nation in the history of the world.

“Before God, I believe the hour has come,” said John Adams, addressing fellow members of the Congress on July 1. “My judgement [sic] approves this measure, and my whole heart is in it. All that I have, and all that I hope in this life, I am now ready to stake upon it. And I leave off as I began, that live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment. Independence now, and Independence for ever!”

The final version of the masterpiece would be ready in three days. And yes, the Congress was at work on July 4, so that future generations of Americans could have the holiday off.

It was truly astounding and unthinkable to most, that a rag-tag Continental Army of only a few thousand men mostly untrained or undertrained in the art of war, and opposing the world’s greatest superpower of that age, had a snowball’s chance on that Fourth of July of actually winning. They and their compatriots gave of themselves and more so that we could have the benefits of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Not least, and not being mindful of political correctness centuries later, they appealed to the Almighty Creator for aid in their effort. We today are living off the moral and spiritual capital of the brave founders and their supporters of that era. Do we appreciate our heritage?

Is it possible that we could lose all that we celebrate?

Ours is a dangerous world today, and liberty is in short supply. Even in our own country there are those who would like to take freedom away from others. A “national emergency” could curtail personal freedom “for the public good.”

Beware those who advocate making U.S. law on matters of political speech, land use, private ownership of weapons, or public health subservient to international agreements.

As you celebrate July Fourth, ponder what your life and the world may be like if there were no America.