When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary … to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. ~ Declaration of Independence

Two hundred forty-four years.
It becomes necessary again to pick out
the issues we share through the years.
All men are created equal,
endowed by their Creator
unalienable Rights,
including Life, Liberty
and the pursuit of Happiness.
We, therefore, appealing to
the Supreme Judge of the world
for the rectitude of our intentions,
do, in the Name, and by Authority
of these good People,
solemnly publish and declare,
And for the support of this Declaration,
with a firm reliance
on the protection of divine Providence,
we mutually pledge to each other
our Lives, our Fortunes
and our sacred Honor.
May we have the courage to hold on to
what our forefathers bequeathed to us.
And what God has joined together
let no person or people tear apart.
Amen. So be it!