This weekend, we celebrate the most important beginning in American
history. A beginning that for the first time, consisted of freedoms and liberty
and righteousness — a beginning inspired by a revolutionary idea thought up by
a group of men who believed they should stand up against tyranny. These men
unknowingly held an idea that would forever change the lives of everyone in
this great nation. On this occasion, we celebrate the birth of America.
Prior to July 4, 1776, governing rule was one based upon fear and
oppression. And so with cargos of tea, and the scratch of a pen, a revolution
began. Thomas Jefferson wrote: “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.”
Death by hanging was the penalty for those who brought forth the radical
ideas of freedom. Yet time and time again men stood up to tyranny despite the
looming consequence. With this, the first generation of the American patriot
was born—one who had a genuine love for the country and a willingness to
sacrifice everythingfor
it, without regret.
25,000 would-be Americans lost their lives in the fight for freedom. More
than 8,000 were injured. The losses, though tragic, were not lost in vain, but
for the future of our country’s people. It is said that where one story ends
another begins—these men were the first to unselfishly sacrifice themselves for
the creation of something better, a state of mind, a way of life—the American
way.
The United States of America learned quickly that freedom does not come
free — and so came the blessing of a military controlled by civilians that
would ensure that our God-given rights are never taken from us.
So this weekend, we are not only celebrating the beginning of America and
our independence, we also celebrate the courage, bravery and boldness that
today’s men and women of the armed forces display to protect the core values of
America in order to keep us free.
Since our founding back in 1776, many have challenged America and our
values — even today, exactly 238 years
later, our vision of freedom meets opposition. With freedom comes the
responsibility to defend it. Our servicemembers have proved time and time again that they stand ready to defend
what is ours.
As we celebrate our
independence, the VFW thanks all patriots of the past and present
who have defended it and given us hope, not only for our own futures, but for
all future generations. I ask that as you celebrate with your families, friends
and communities, you remember to honor all American patriots, from the
countryside of the New England states to the beaches of Normandy, from the
jungles of Vietnam to the streets of Kandahar. They are the ones who have
preserved freedom, and who have given us reason to defend it for all future
generations.
Thank you to all of our
men and women of the military; your fight has and will continue to lead others
to a better way of life. You have truly given us all reason to celebrate our
past, our present, our future—our independence.
Happy Birthday America!