Independence Day Celebrates 30 Years: Lessons in Unity, Sacrifice, and Trust

The summer blockbuster of 1996 was out of this world with the hit Independence Day. The movie follows a tech genius, marine pilot, and president who stand united to fight back against an alien invasion.

The film featured the iconic speech from Bill Pullman’s character, Will Smith stepping away from being the Fresh Prince, and making moviegoers’ blood boil when extraterrestrials destroy historic landmarks.

The film can be seen on cable and often streamed in or around the 4th of July holiday.

The movie also offers lessons of faith that are applicable today

Overcoming Fear with Unity

It could’ve been easy for humanity to surrender, right? Yet, everyone was united for a common interest in defeating the aliens who want to destroy Earth and annihilate humans from ever existing.

Tom Whitmore gave a speech to everyone on the morning of the attack over a secret base. In it, he reminded everyone of the importance of the Independence holiday. It had a different meeting as he declared, “Not from tyranny, oppression or persecution, but from annihilation. We're fighting for our right to live, to exist. And should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice, we will not go quietly into the night. We will not vanish without a fight.”

He gets a rousing ovation from all who gathered, and he would lead the final defense against the aliens.

Trusting the Unseen

Our faith calls us to see the unseen. St, Thomas Aquinas put it well, "Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand ." David Levinson, he trusted his math and calculations when the aliens invaded. Yet, he hit a breaking point.

With the help of his father, David believes again and acts in what he believes can change the tide of the battle against the aliens. He develops a virus to help the band of freedom fighters take down the aliens who seemed invincible.

Sacrifice for Others

Christ reminds us that greater love is found in the laying down of one’s life for another (John 15:13). This is true for the character Russell Case, a washed-up crop duster and Vietnam pilot who claimed to have been abducted by aliens in the past.

He laid down his life for his country as he acted bravely in helping the president and a small group of pilots to destroy the alien spacecraft.

While his son was sad that he was killed in the process, he was reminded of his act of bravery.

Independence Day has stood the test of time. It gives us a glimpse of seeing what a united group of people can do to repel a force greater than themselves when they stand together with a common interest.