Independence Day means many different things to many different countries.  The holiday that is Independence Day is celebrated around the world at different times throughout the world.  The United State of America celebrates Independence Day as the time when we removed ourselves from England's rule.  The observation of Independence Day in the United State of America is the matter of some controversy, as historians cannot agree which day the signing of the Declaration of Independence took place on.   In a manner of speaking this has only made the holiday more popular with the people who celebrate it.  The holiday is usually marked by an Independence Day speech from someone that is meant to mock the speeches that were abound on the first Independence Day over two hundred years ago.  For the new colonies Independence Day was a time of great celebration and joy as it marked the end of severe taxation under the British monarch rule.  The Independence Day speech that was given for the day spoke of the freedom that would now be had and of the new government structure to be put into place. 

Once Independence Day speech was given by Thomas Jefferson who was the original writer of the Declaration of Independence.  He told that the day had come when the new colonies would govern themselves and allow for religious freedom for all who came forward. This was a bold statement considering the fact that church leaders of the time were among the most powerful people living in the colonies.  The new covenant under which the United State of America would operate was based on freedom but those freedoms were determined by the church of the time.  This would continue until the Constitution was drafted which drew the line in the sand separating church and state.  Religious leaders of the time fought the ruling with all of their being but to no avail.  For the colonies to stand, they would have to be governed by an impartial body that allowed none of the religious teachings of the time to come into play.  People feared the church at this time of the United State as they imposed strict penalties on those who dared to cross them.  Sunday service attendance was mandatory for all and the penalty for disobedience could be death if the person continued to fall out of favor with the church.  This type of heavy handed leadership brought about a revolt against the early church and created the basis for the separation of church and state ruling that would soon come fourth.  

The Independence Day holiday is now considered to be a restful and beautiful holiday.  Most employers give the day to their employees as many gather to celebrate the holiday.  The original meaning of this Independence Day has been somewhat lost as most celebrate with parties and fireworks.  Under the surface, many Americans still believe in the original concept behind the Independence Day holiday but the line has been blurred.  Remembering those who fought so gallantly to obtain our freedom should be first and foremost in our minds as we celebrate the day.