To many around Washington,D.C. where I grew up, and across the United States of America, the Declaration of Independence is considered to be a sacred document.
The Preamble to the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights are close behind. But this week, this first week in July, is for the Declaration of Independence. We have adopted as our nation's birthday the date of July 4th, the day it was ratified by the first Continental Congress at Independence Hall in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. This gave the world notice, especially England and King George III, that the Colonies were taking on life as a separate Nation in the eyes of all.

There are important precepts laid down in this Declaration, phrased beautifully by Thomas Jefferson, one of them reads, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." That the right to go about one's life in such a way as to chase happiness is a concept to be found in a document setting up the purposes of government.

Over the years America has struggled to truly embody these ideals in such a way that each of us can fully express them in our lives. There has been triumph and tragedy, but in the way of humanity as a whole and human beings as individuals, we continue to strive to realize this dream, for truly, this is the American Dream.
One author has written an entire treatise on it. It is called "the Way to Happiness" by L. Ron Hubbard. His opening paragraph states,"True joy and happiness are invaluable." www.thewaytohappiness.org @waytohappinesstampa