Two hundred and fifty years ago the Declaration of Independence was signed. What it meant was that the thirteen original colonies were free and independent states and no longer part of the British Empire. While it was agreed to on July 4, 1776, it wasn't signed until August 2nd, a month later. But the 4th of July is when it is celebrated.
It was signed by 56 delegates signed the declaration of which John Hancock was the President of the Continental Congress. It begins with "We hold these truth's to be self-evident, where all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights....". It outlined the political, moral, and legal justification for independence from Great Britain.
Our 250 years have seen the best, and some less then best, in our countries history. If you think that some people today are 100 years old our country is still young. In my opinion the United States of America is the best country in the world. That's not to say other countries don't offer their citizens great and wonderful things, and they are equally as proud, but this dam country is one where people are free and can be successful and fruitful through hard work and determination. Just ask the people who came here from other countries. Starting with the names of immigrants
who came and landed at Ellis Island to those who have come here by any means necessary.
As always there's work to be done, and we are a work in progress. And we couldn't be where we are without the countless contributions of so many people from so many places over the centuries, along the great leadership we have had, strong militaries where people have sacrificed it all for us, and citizens, while at times divided, who have come together for the better good of each other and the USA. I can say I'm proud to be an American.
And in other news....well the deed is done. The flats skiff is mine held by a Venmo deposit sent today. That's just another exciting development coming with this big life changing move.
And today my Father came out to help me get the boat and trailer down to the trailer folks at
J & C Campers in New Egypt. They'll do a wheel and axle service and replace the lights all the way around for the 750 mile tow down to Ridgeland, South Carolina.
My Dad's Ford F-150 towed the bare-bones boat like a champ. It goes with no motor, no batteries, and no fuel. She's ready to get completely made over, which should make Jim smile from up above.
Along with the boat I dropped off a light kit and wiring for the trailer that I got for 40% off at the West Marine in Bensalem. I had brought some of the paperwork Laura had given to me when I finally paid it off. When I showed it to the guy there and went through the heavy duty axle Jim had
installed along with the HydraStar brake actuator he looked at me and said, "Wow, that's a lot of overkill there". And that made me smile, thinking of Jim, who had this boat rigged and improved and, well, just perfect for him. He pointed to a truck and trailer in the lot, it was a big F-350 with a horse trailer behind it. Adding, "Even this would be overkill for a set up like that".
So we're off and running. Next week the trailer hitch for the Suburban comes in from from the Midwest and then I'll be able to pick them both up. And, for the first time, I'll have confidence that the axles won't melt down to molten metal, the brakes will slow the momentum, and I'll have tail lights, and running lights, that will alert others that this Jersey Jones is going to it's new home in the Lowcountry.