To the editor:
The signing of the United States Declaration of Independence occurred on August 2, 1776 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 56 delegates, formerly representing the 13 colonies, comprised the Second Continental Congress and declared themselves the “United States of America.” They endorsed the Declaration of Independence which the Congress had previously approved on July 4, 1776. Benjamin Franklin was approached by a group of citizens who asked him what sort of government the delegation had created. His answer was: “A Republic, if you can keep it.”
Our veterans have sacrificed blood and treasure to selflessly maintain our Constitutional Republic. They have ensured our liberty and freedom; preserved our “Rule of Law” as the beacon of light for the free world. Yet, as Benjamin Franklin forewarned, it is up to the citizenry to keep it.
World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. President Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
November 11 continues to focus our attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: a celebration to honor America’s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. It is up to us to honor their sacrifice and recognize exactly what they fought for.
This year on November 3, we all had the opportunity to participate in what has traditionally been the hallmark of our constitutional republic; our sovereign right to vote in free and fair elections. While we may take this privilege for granted, we should be mindful; it is our veterans who have made great sacrifices to guarantee this privilege and as Benjamin Franklin forewarned us, it our duty to maintain it.
As an independent voter, I hope our Democrats and Republicans in Congress will one day acknowledge the obvious in honor of our veterans: “United we stand and divided we fall.” We will be putting our three branches of government to the test in the coming weeks. As a civil society, it is my hope, we can make our veterans proud as we once again go through the constitutional process to legally certify the Electoral College votes and determine the 46th president. Many Americans are deeply appreciative, of our veterans, for guaranteeing our right to a peaceful transition of power.
Lucinda Shmulsky
New Marlborough
