On July 4, 1776 our founding fathers grabbed history by the horns and steered it towards life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for their future generations. By declaring America’s independence they ended – for American’s – lifetimes of tyranny and oppression… but also began years of blood shed and war. It is on this day every year that we honor the sacrifices of the dedicated and brave who so valiantly struggled, fought and shed their blood for the liberty of future generations. We honor those brave civilians and militia-men who took up arms in order to cast off the chains of an oppressive crown by celebrating the legacy that they left us. A legacy of freedom, opportunity, liberty and of American exceptionalism.
On this day we celebrate the birth of the greatest nation in the history of mankind.
A nation founded on the idea that all men were created equal and endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And while this country has a checkered past filled with greatness and at times biggotry and wrongs – most of which are behind us now. It is important to remember that while she is 233 years old today, she is still young and impressionable.
233 years is but a short span of time in the history of the world and its many nations. Yet in 233 years America has grown to be the most powerful, affluent and influentail nation in the world. And unlike the great nations of the distant past it is not because of military might – though we have that too – it is because of American exceptionalism. It is because of the fact that we are a free society governed by laws, not tyrants. It is because we are liberated, not liberal. It is because we strive to make ourselves better and to see that our future generations have more than we did… it is because of capitalism – not in spite of it – and the capitalistic way of thought. It is because of the American ideal of mom, home-sweet-home and apple pie. It is because of the American dream.
It is because our founding fathers had that American dream and on this day 233 years ago signed a document declaring American independence for all to see. It is because they shed their blood for it and thousands upon thousands of future patriots shed their blood for it – and continue to do so to this day.
And while this nation, our beautiful lady liberty, may have her many flaws there is one thing that is unmistakeable. America is that shining city on the hill. It is that beacon of hope for the tired, the poor and the huddled masses. For all of her flaws she is still the most beautiful lady of them all. But for all of her beauty and shelter, she is still young and impressionable. Like any woman worth her salt, she requires constant attention and maintenance. For liberty to thrive and for generations to continue to prosper she requires vigilant watch. Not just from enemies abroad, but also from tyranny within.
So Americans one and all on this our 233 birthday let us cast aside our differences both political and personal and remember that we are first and foremost Americans. Regardless of place of birth, heritage, religion or any other definable characteristic – we are Americans. But once the fireworks have ended, the grills cooled and the sparklers extinguished do not forget it. Do not forget what our founding fathers gave us… instead reflect on it daily.
Liberty requires eternal vigilance.
It is to that end that we must remain united against apathy and the subsequent tyranny. It is to that end that tomorrow and every day after we remain a solid bulwark against dependence and oppression. We can do this by drawing strength from our traditions, ideals and most importantly from liberty.
Remain vigilant and steadfast fellow Americans… it won’t take long for Washington to discover that we have not forgotten our founding fathers.