Independence Day 1806

Journal 2006 07 04
Independence Day 1806

This is the second Independence Day celebrated in the vast western half of the North American continent. The significance of marking a day when a nation was born in a land where only tribal governments existed seems prophetic. William Clark and his party covered thirty miles this day, but stopped for an early supper and celebration recorded in Clark’s journal this way, ”This being the day of the decleration of Independence of the United States and a Day commonly Scelebrated by my Country I had every disposition to Selebrate this day and therefore halted early and partook of a Sumptious Dinner of a fat Saddle of Venison and Mush of Cows (roots)    after Dinner we proceeded on…”

Lewis writes, “I now ordered the horses saddled smoked a pipe with these friendly people and at noon bid them adieu….these affectionate people our guides betrayed every emmotion of unfeigned regret at seperating from us…” Lewis remembers the moment and his fondness of these young Nez Perce braves who have honored their tribes by their service. His men made thirteen miles and there is no record of any observance of an Independence Day celebration. His desire this day was to send the Indian guides out with a generous portion of meat and supplies in a token of gratitude.

I believe we see today a glimpse of why the Captains shared command was powerful and led to the great success of this expedition. Had the Captains been together I’m convinced the record would show a celebration marking Independence Day and honoring their faithful friends and guides.

Work and accomplishment tends to mirror the leader in any endeavor. The unique shared command of the Corps of Discovery allows a level of leadership rarely seen in the history of mankind because it reflects the best qualities of both leaders. An amazing feat really.

Today, two hundred thirty years after the event, we remember and celebrate the day our forefathers lay their lives, fortunes and reputations on the altar of liberty as a sacrifice to our freedom today. We are told to remember. That model of remembrance is laid out for us in the Old and New Testaments of the Judeo-Christian feasts and celebrations commanded by God. Easter and its predecessor Passover are most easily seen in our modern world. Holy Communion is a remembrance commanded that we might frequently be reminded of the daily redemption offered in the body and blood of the Lamb of God. In our nation we remember events of significance to our nation. In Communion we were told by Jesus “to do this in remembrance of Me.”

Great sacrifice requires remembrance. We celebrate Independence Day as victory. It really was a celebration of the courageous declaration that victory was worthy of the sacrifice. Victory was achieved later. Jesus modeled Communion as a declaration of His pending victory of sin and death. Victory was achieved three days later.

So, no matter who we are with, where we are and how busy we are we are called, commanded, to celebrate the great sacrifices given to achieve the unparalleled freedom we know today. Let’s remember and then live a life worthy of the sacrifice.

Proceed on.