Reasons for Independence Remembered, Freedom Appreciated

As many history teachers have taught their students, July 2, 1776 marked the day that the Continental Congress changed the history of America. On that day, Independence entered into the blood of , the hearts of women and men and furthered possibilities for children. It took 48 hours for that freedom to be declared in writing on July 4, 1776.

The conscripted by changed the lives of endless generations following his own, giving Americans rights that some countries today still do not have. Today, many Ridgefield residents are taking a moment to think about their freedom and why they have it.

“I appreciate being able to have opportunities,” Matthew Lambton said.

At twenty years old he is beginning the process of grabbing hold of his limitless possibilities. Lambton is applying to Medical School, an opportunity he may not have had if his parents did not decide to become citizens of America.

“I was born in England,” he explained. “My family and I got our citizenship ten years ago. We were just talking about this last night. My parents were saying how appreciative they were to have opportunities in America. They were saying how happy they were the day they got their citizenship.”

Thanks to Jefferson’s efforts, people like Lambton who have the opportunity to learn about medicine, may be able to change the lives of women like Dr. Mary Spanos. Spanos is a veterinarian who has been fiercely battling breast cancer for the past five and a half years.

“I am grateful because I am a,” Spanos said. “I have my freedom and rights of being a woman in this country compared to others.”

Spanos realizes what it took for her ancestors to give her the life she has today. She appreciates the efforts of her descendants from Ireland and Scotland. Spanos acknowledges the hard work they put in to sending their children to the United States in order to give them and their children better lives.

As far as present day America goes, she is thankful for the way that the health care system has treated her during her experience with cancer.

“The has been very good to me, has saved me several times and I am very thankful for my life and a good life for my family and my relatives.”

Jonathan Francis, a barista at and a business entrepreneur who runs his own window washing business, understands the price of freedom. He also sees the way that people are able to progress and find acceptance among their fellow Americans.

“Everything in life comes at a cost,” Francis said. “Various parts of the world find themselves in a pattern of life, living each day in their comfort zone and maintaining an image of what is considered acceptable. America shows its independence through the option of individuality.”

The opportunities that Lambton is pursuing, the freedom Spanos receives as a woman and the diversity that Francis is able to appreciate is possible due to the action that the members of thirteen colonies took, when they decided they wanted to become independent from Great Britain. Freedom is something the citizens of America have worked hard for and continue to fight for today.

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