Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

July 4th more than a holiday

Independence Day means many different things to so many people.

Everyone has different reasons to be thankful for each day of freedom Americans have.

As students in school, we learn we celebrate on July 4, because the Declaration of Independence was signed on this day in 1776, but what does it really mean?

It means, as Americans, we can live were we want to, speak how and what we want to speak. It means we can carry weapons if we so choose.

Our children can grow up knowing they will have every opportunity many other children around the world will never have because of their government or lack thereof.

I have thought long and hard about what to write in this article that would describe the sacrifices so many have made just so you and I can be free.

I finally decided maybe it shouldn't come from me, but from people who have lead our nation and the ones who have fought hard just so all have the right to complain or go to the school of their choice or even just walk down the street.

Paul Harvey once presented a news commentary called "They Paid the Price", in this commentary Harvey spoke of the ultimate price so many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence suffered.

This is some of what he had to say, "Americans, you know the 56 men who signed our Declaration of Independence the first 4th of July  you know they were risking everything, don't you?  "cause if they won their war with the British, there'd be years of hardship and a struggling nation. If they lost they'd face a hangman's noose. And yet there where it says, We herewith pledge, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor,' they did sign. But did you know that they paid the price?"

After signing the Declaration of Independence John Adams wrote a letter to his wife stating his feelings about that eventful day. Notice he seems proud of what he has done and it seems to be a revelation of years to come.

I am apt to believe that this day will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.'

Throughout history there have been many times our armed forces have had to stand up to keep our freedom alive.

World War II is one of those times and many young men from Gurdon were sent to foreign lands to fight.

I had the pleasure of speaking with two gentlemen from Gurdon who helped fight in World War II.

The first gentleman I spoke with was Ross Carter. Carter entered the Army in March of 1942. He told me stories of being ambushed and losing a Colonel, First Sergeant, and a Lieutenant right before his eyes.

Carter said, "I guess miracles do happen. I survived the ambush and retreated back to safety."

Ross Carter is correct when he says miracles do happen because he was later wounded in battle and thrown in a pile of slain soldiers and thought to be dead. Luckily Carter's best Army buddy came along and saw Carter in the pile and then noticed a misty fog was still coming from his mouth.

Carter was alive, but the medics had overlooked him. Carter's friend found him and his life was saved.

The other gentleman I had the honor to speak with was Dr. George Peeples. His time served wasn't very long but it still counts.

Peeples participated in the European Theatre as part of the Calvary Reconnaissance.

Peeples said he had many friends in the Army and would not have missed the opportunity to serve and protect his country.

These are just a few examples of the ways lives have been changed forever to give and keep our freedom.

Never forget the men and women who have fought and died for us. For many of them it wasn't a choice it was a must.