Reflecting on Freedom this Independence Day

This Independence Day, fireworks will illuminate the night, marking 250 years of American independence. Wow, it’s been a long time—two and a half centuries since bold ideas about freedom sprouted here. Families will gather, flags will be raised, and we’ll take a moment to appreciate the liberties we sometimes overlook: the freedom to speak, pray, assemble, and live by our own beliefs.

But as we celebrate this milestone, perhaps it’s pertinent to pause and consider some serious questions. What does it truly mean to celebrate freedom in a world where many still lack it?

America was founded on the revolutionary belief that our rights don’t come from the government but are inherent, as stated in the Declaration of Independence. It insists that we are all “endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights.” These rights aren’t privileges limited to a select few based on where they live—they’re intended to be universal. Yet, even after 250 years, many still do not have access to these rights.

Here at home, debates about how to exercise our rights—especially religious freedoms—are ongoing. These discussions can get pretty lively and sometimes even contentious. Yet, they exemplify a society where differing opinions are accepted. While Americans engage in these debates, others are battling just to have the right to exist.

This contrast is starkly visible in northern Nigeria. There, Christian communities endure not just restrictions but also outright violence. Families are displaced, churches are demolished, and lives are lost—not over politics or economics, but simply for their faith. Many receive little to no protection from their governments, with authorities often appearing indifferent or, worse, willfully blind.

This situation isn’t merely a local issue; it’s a human one.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said in his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” His insight, rooted in the American civil rights movement, resonates across borders. If freedom is indeed universal, its absence anywhere should concern us all.

Acknowledging this doesn’t diminish our appreciation for the freedoms we have. True patriotism starts with thankfulness but doesn’t stop there. It calls us to not only celebrate our heritage but also safeguard it responsibly, understanding that not everyone enjoys similar freedoms.

On a hopeful note, the United States is starting to take action.

Recently, Secretary Marco Rubio announced new restrictions on visas for those implicated in violations of religious freedom, particularly related to persecution in Nigeria. This suggests a readiness to leverage U.S. influence to hold wrongdoers accountable.

Legislation, such as the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Responsibility Act, aims to confront these issues but is still under review. These steps are indeed significant. However, they lead us to the crucial question: “Is that sufficient?”

Government efforts matter, but they’re not enough on their own. The American journey has always rested on an engaged populace—one that realizes freedom is both a privilege and a duty.

So what can everyday Americans do?

First, choose awareness over apathy. In a world awash with information, we often overlook crises that don’t directly impact us. Taking a moment to understand events in places like northern Nigeria is an important first step.

Next, voice your opinions. The same freedoms we celebrate on this day—like speech, assembly, and advocacy—can be powerful tools for supporting those who cannot advocate for themselves. Reach out to elected representatives, endorse policies that promote religious freedom, and encourage religious leaders to address issues like genocide from the pulpit.

Just think about the impact if pastors began openly discussing the plight of Christians in Nigeria, praying for those who can’t stand up for themselves, and showing solidarity.

Support organizations that are actively working on the ground. Groups focused on improving socio-economic conditions in Nigeria often help to mitigate the factors that lead to instability and extremism.

Lastly, ponder what freedom really signifies. The Founders recognized it not merely as a pass for self-indulgence but as a framework for collective flourishing—a treasure to be protected and expanded upon.

As we approach this 250th anniversary, there’s much to cherish.

Our history isn’t without its flaws; still, it reflects our continual quest for the ideals we established at our inception. The pressing question is whether we will persist in living these ideals, not just within our borders, but also in our global engagement.

If freedom is truly inalienable, it cannot be confined by geography.

This Independence Day, while celebrating our nation’s birth, let’s remember that the promise of freedom is still a work in progress. The most meaningful way to honor our independence is not to take it for granted but to actively strive for a world where it is more fully realized for everyone.