|
Washington, D.C. - Some 234 years ago, our nation’s founders, through foresight, grace, and courage set forth the principles upon which our country was founded. They realized that freedom came at a price and were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and future generations. We owe our independence and freedoms to them and the many who have volunteered to follow in their footsteps.
It is hard for many of us to understand just how revolutionary the ideals behind the Declaration of Independence were. The idea of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people was unheard of. Kings and governments existed to manage citizens, not to secure their rights.
The founders knew exactly what their actions meant for them. They “mutually pledge[d] to each other” their “Lives, . . . Fortunes, . . . and . . . sacred Honor.” Our brave men and women in uniform have taken a similar pledge. Just as the founders volunteered to create a new nation, today the brave men and women in our armed forces also volunteer to protect our liberties. They put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedoms and the principles upon which our nation is founded.
The United States is a special nation not just because we are a democracy, but because we have been blessed with people willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice to secure the rights and privileges of our democracy. Not a day goes by that I do not give thanks and pray for our troops, veterans and their families, especially those made the ultimate sacrifice for our liberties and freedom.
Independence Day is undeniably a time to celebrate, to fly the flag, to gather with family and friends at parades picnics and with fireworks displays. But, it is more than just a celebration of our independence. It is an opportunity to celebrate and thank those who have been willing to sacrifice so much to secure the freedoms we hold so dear.
###
Return to News Center
|
