Independence Day 2017
Over 200 years ago, our Founding Fathers put their lives on the line to create a new country in which freedom reigned. These men had a vision of a nation unafraid to face its enemies and win. We, the people of the United States, have faced insurmountable odds since our young country’s conception but continue to fight for our God-given rights unique to the United States of America.
The Fourth of July was the day on which the Declaration of Independence was ratified. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…” This was the day that Americans stood up against tyranny to create a government controlled by the people, for the people.
We must keep those values at the forefront of our minds as we navigate today’s political discourse. It has become too easy to forget that people on the opposite sides of the political spectrum are human beings and deserve our respect, whether or not we agree. We are a nation that celebrates our differences. There is a time and a place for political rhetoric, but let us not forget the price we have paid to have the freedom for such discourse.
Innumerable brave men and women have given their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms and rights we too often take for granted. Still, people fight across the globe to bring similar freedoms and rights to the oppressed. Let us celebrate the brave Americans who put their lives on the line every day so we may continue to celebrate our independence.
We are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I hope we, as proud Americans, continue to fight for the unity of our nation and people. I wish you and your family a safe and happy Independence Day, and may God bless America.