“Sacred” is a word which has almost disappeared out of our modern lexicon and public discourse and yet we find that it was an indispensable and valued precept during our founding period as detailed above. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines sacred in this way: “Holy, separated from common secular uses and consecrated to God; Proceeding from God; Relating to religion or worship of God as sacred songs or sacred history.”. Perhaps reviewing this definition will help you as much as it helped me to understand the essence and thrust of our founder’s thinking during this critical time. As we approach the 250th celebration of Independence Day perhaps it would be of value to review some historical truths.
First, let us consider those 56 men who boldly signed their names to the Declaration of Independence. The historical record clearly shows that 53 of the signers were men who practiced the Christian faith and the other three, like Thomas Jefferson, were Deist. Thus it was not a foreign concept for them to, not only say, but to insist that the Declaration conclude with this phrase, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor”. This phrase both described and affirmed their common, basic belief system. Because of their faith and because they looked beyond themselves for meaning and purpose for their lives, these 56 men were able to strike this unprecedented covenant with each other.
Just for a moment try to imagine placing yourself into a similar arrangement today with 55 other folks, especially with the “odds” our Founders had for success. Moreover, just try to picture any sizeable group of today’s politicians entering into such a personally risky agreement? A few of these men did indeed lose their lives or their health, wealth, or family. However, only one, Richard Stockton of New Jersey, surrendered his “sacred honor”. He betrayed his oath by swearing an oath of “peaceable obedience” to King George during a brief period he was being held prisoner. After his release his actions, while a prisoner, prevented him from serving in the Congress although he did take another oath of allegiance to the colonial cause. Indeed 55 individual men were willing to offer their very life for liberty; they were willing to sacrifice their fortunes for liberty; and in so doing their personal honor became a sacred possession to never be surrendered.
The great patriot Patrick Henry had eloquently and publicly stated his position on many occasions but is most remembered for his speech to his fellow Virginians on March 23, 1775. The House of Burgesses was leaning toward not sending troops until his impassioned speech which ended— “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me give me liberty or give me death”. I recommend that you take a few minutes and read the entire speech online and perhaps share it with your children or grandchildren. They may never learn of these seminal events if we do not serve them in this way.
Please remember that Patrick Henry was just one of the 2.5 million colonists who were divided approximately as 1/3 Patriots, 1/3 Tories and 1/3 neutral as the war began. Although exact figures are impossible to obtain from this era, probably only 800k to 900k colonials were sympathetic to Patrick Henry’s cry for liberty from England. However, they did not wait for a “majority” to materialize or for a poll to be taken before they acted. In fact, the Veterans Administration records count 217,000 of them to have been veterans of the ensuing war. Try doing the math on what that would proportionately translate to with over 342m Americans today, approximately 30 million. While we are often more familiar with the sacrifices of the 56 signers of the Declaration than of the general population, it is important to note that all those with a yearning for liberty in their heart placed themselves in imminent personal danger by identifying with “patriots”. There should be a profound lesson in this for every generation who chose to cherish personal liberty.
Next, let us fast forward almost 13 years to April 30,1789 and the first inaugural and again we find sacred to be a defining and operative term. Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, had said “the God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time”. And so, it is not surprising that George Washington, a devout Christian, would refer to liberty as a sacred commodity.
The thought I wish to leave you with is that I believe Washington was looking down across history to future generations—to you and I in 2026. As Commander-In-Chief of the armies, General Washington had often acknowledged the hand of Providence in the outcome of critical battles and often issued general orders reflecting his faith. Just prior to the “first” Independence Day, on July 2, 1776, he issued the following general order; “The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man, will endeavor so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country”. As he took office as the first President of a new nation, he knew full well that in all of history there had never been a constitutional republic such as he now led. He also knew that “the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty” was to be totally dependent upon we the people.
As we prepare to perhaps relax and enjoy our liberty a bit this 4th of July why not remember some of the brave Americans and their families who today live sacrificial lives “defending the dearest Rights and Liberties” against hostile forces in foreign lands. Instead of just being truly thankful for your liberty and security, which is very, very important, why not plan on doing something in the next few days or weeks, individually or as a family, to sorta put legs to your gratitude. I know firsthand that such acts of gratitude are much appreciated and will well serve to preserve our freedoms and the sacred fire of liberty.
Prepared by: John R. “Barney” Barnes | Commander USN® | 29 June 2026