While jingoists, elaborate fireworks displays and pool parties may at times seem to dominate the modern July 4 holiday, revolutionary ideas form its heart. The Declaration of Independence in fact contains ideas which shaped Unitarian Universalism as well as our nation’s governing structure. Many of our nation’s founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were Unitarian with strong beliefs in reason, freedom, and tolerance. Some other iconic American Unitarians include Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Paul Revere, and Susan B. Anthony. In this service, we will explore the intertwining of UU and Independence Day ideals. Although the American Revolution did not set everyone free, it provided the intellectual tools for the continuing revolutions in our national story.