Today, on July 4, we celebrate a special anniversary — the birth of a nation that would go on to become the world’s most exemplary example of freedom and democratic values. In the modern world, it’s easy to forget the challenges our forefathers faced and the ongoing burdens that we Americans share to maintain the fight for freedom both at home as well as abroad. It is important to remember the ideals that founded our nation and that the country was made great by the talents and efforts of the citizens, not an all-powerful government. In the Beginning – Overcoming Great OppositionIn a speech on July 4, Navy Lt. Ellen Connors said: “Our nation declared independence so that our families could live in freedom — not only for this generation, but for future ones.” What odds [the founding Fathers] had to face. It must have been impossible. Our forefathers fought against the largest empire in history since ancient Rome. The National Guard, Heritage Paintings collection. Battle of Long Island, Domenick D’Andrea.
The Pride of a Nation… The Price of Freedom
Here is a sample of Daniel Webster’s Oration on July 4, 1851. His words still ring true today: On July 4, 1776, the Representatives of the United States of America gathered in Congress declared that the United Colonies were, and should be, FREE and INDEPENDENT States. This Declaration, made in 1776 by patriotic, resolute, and courageous men who trusted in the justice of the cause and the protection from Heaven, but not without great anxiety and concern, has stood for 75 years and still does. It was sealed with blood. It has faced dangers and overcome them, it has had enemies and conquered, it has detractors and annihilated them all …. Every man’s heart swells… as he recalls that seventy five years have passed, and that his great inheritance of freedom is still his. His, undiminished, unaffected, his in its original glory, his to enjoy, his to protect, and his to pass on to future generations.
