Day 17- Touring Philadelphia, PA

Independence Hall, the epicenter of early American political science (Philadelphia, PA)

Day 17- Touring Philadelphia

            Philadelphia. Philadelphia is an easy American city to overlook…unless you know how to look at it in terms of our country’s history. In the colonial era, Philadelphia was THE hot spot for colonial politics as talk of separation and revolution gathered momentum. Today, I walked among the shadows of our nation’s founding fathers in the city where their political craftsmanship took a group of colonies, and later, a fledgling nation to the brink of disaster and, ultimately, one of the greatest political victories in human history.

            My first stop on today’s tour was to view the Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell represents an unrivaled historic artifact as its presence during the dissention and revolution symbolizes a call-to-arms of sorts for the colonial quest for freedom. To stand within feet of this national treasure and contemplate the decisions, risks, and opportunities made in the name of achieving and preserving liberty is quite powerful. 

Does this face ring a bell? I know, my humor takes its toll on you...(Philadelphia, PA)

As I studied the bell, its power to call people is quite remarkable even though the bells itself was silenced in 1846. People from all over the country and all over the world stood in awe and looked at a bell. We gaze for many reasons: Awe, honor, respect, pride, hope, and thanks. In the fabled story of American history few items command such universal respect. The Liberty Bell’s importance as a significant artifact transcends the generations and will continue to do so for generations to come.

Independence Hall, just across from the Liberty Bell pavilion, stands as a proud reminder of the seemingly insurmountable tasks that were accomplished by colonial politicians. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United State were crafted by some of the sharpest political minds in government. The risky Declaration of Independence shows the resolve and fortitude colonial leadership while the United States Constitution established a blue print that outlined how a fair and democratic government should function. It is nothing short of amazing to think that ideas written and adopted over two hundred years ago guide one of the most powerful nations in the world today. It all happened in Independence Hall and it was a very special feeling to see where history changed our country from the very beginning.

Right inside that building a few political science miracles happened...(Philadelphia, PA)

I ended the day touring Valley Forge, the winter encampment home of the Continental Army, commanded by General George Washington. The Valley Forge National Historical Park is an expansive layout of hilly terrain that identifies the location of various elements’ encampment location. While touring the park my thoughts focused on the amazing risks colonial leaders and colonial citizens took to advance a cause so close to their heart. Individuals put up with uncertainly and hardships day in and day out to establish a new order of living within North America. My thoughts continued, in awe, because our lives today reflect the payout of our ancestors’ dedication to freedom. In essence, they paid a down payment on our happiness. Sadly, for some, there is no greater price to pay than to be willing to die for the cause you support as noted when I passed a Tomb of the Unknowns dedicated to the individuals who died during the encampment at Valley Forge. 

May our memories of these individuals be used to recognize the extreme sacrifices made in the name of freedom. Their efforts made today possible...

Do we ever really think about the effort and sacrifices made for our freedom?

Thanks for joining me today…~Mr. K.