We often take the freedom we have for granted. Being able to roll ourselves out of bed every morning and deciding how to attack our day, or, better yet, cozying up through several blaring alarms is a privilege that not every country has the joy of experiencing. Yet, our selective perception limits us from understanding what life would be like without American freedom. Sometimes we need to step back and consider what we are really entitled to. So first, we ask, where did such prerogative liberation originate? Well, where else but Philadelphia. 

In this week’s blog, we will dive into the beginning of the habitual freedom we often overlook, which all began with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. After constant command from the British, American citizens had their fill. They did not believe the british had the right to have control over them, so America began the revolutionary war. The Declaration of Independence ended the revolutionary war as America defeated Britain to become our own, free country. At the time, the most significant people in America gathered in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) to sign arguably the most important document in US history. Some notable names penned on the document included John Handcock, Sam Adams, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and others. Ever since that document was agreed upon by the british parliament, the United States has been free from any foreign rule.

Why was Philadelphia such a desirable location to sign the Declaration of Independence? First of all, the city was near the North-South Center of the Atlantic seaboard colonies, equalizing travel distance for all areas. Second, it was America’s largest transportation center, so travel there was most efficient. Other reasons consist of weather, people residing there, and resources. Looking back, Philadelphia was the obvious choice. 

Now, almost two hundred and fifty years later, the old, decrepit document resides in Washington, DC, but it will always belong to Philadelphia. Perhaps it has to do with proximity, or maybe it’s bias, but freedom seems to ring louder in Philadelphia. Everything in the city seems to imitate American liberty. The buildings reflect gorgeous sunlight, the people go about their day with smiles and radiating positivity, and everyone takes advantage of their rights as a free, American citizen. Philadelphia is the home of the Declaration of Independence — Philadelphia is the heart of our freedom.