July 3, 2007 | By Nathaniel Ward

The real meaning of Independence Day

America celebrates Independence Day tomorrow. While many Americans prepare to celebrate with fireworks and backyard barbecues, Heritage Foundation scholar Matthew Spalding reminds us of what lies at the heart of the holiday.

The principles and values outlined in the Declaration of Independence, he says in a new Heritage video, “were true then, and they’re true today.”

Watch the video on MyHeritage.org

“We hold these truths to be self-evident,” the document reads, “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.”

These are universal principles, Spalding continues, “which means they inspire not only Americans but people around the world. That is why we as a nation celebrate the Fourth of July and take the opportunity to renew our allegiance and praise for those principles.”

As Spalding writes in a special First Principles paper, “The ringing phrases of the Declaration of Independence speak to all those who strive for liberty and seek to vindicate the principles of self-government.”

Nathaniel Ward is the Editor of MyHeritage.org—a website for members and supporters of The Heritage Foundation.