Celebrating Independence Day
A guest column by Senator Rob McColley
July 2, 2018
Rob McColley News
This week, as we gather with friends and family for outdoor barbecues, beautiful firework displays and community events, we must not forget to pause and reflect on how far our great nation has come since its birth, and the many privileges and values we hold dear as Americans. Two hundred and forty-two years ago, our Founders gave life to, in the words of President Lincoln, “a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” Today, the Declaration of Independence remains a clear representation of the most fundamental of American virtues.
Though much has changed in the last two centuries, America remains a staunch defender of these values enshrined in our founding document: “…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.” Few words in American history have had as much influence on our world as these. Through wars and times of peace, through innovation and technological revolution, through prosperity and recession, these principles have remained a guiding light to our way of life, and have provided for a safer, freer world.
We, as Americans, have a moral obligation to preserve and protect our liberties. As President Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” Whether that means bravely serving our country abroad, or simply being an engaged citizen, our Republic cannot function without the citizenry taking responsibility for the betterment of the nation and the protection of our values.
On this Independence Day, may we remember those who have come before us, who have sacrificed their lives in defense of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. May we recognize our nation’s tremendous progress, and the many contributions America has made to make our world a better place. But most importantly, may we each be reinvigorated with a sense of pride and personal responsibility for the preservation of our Republic, and the values that make America truly great.
May God bless you, your family, and your community as you celebrate this week, and may God continue to bless these United States of America.
Though much has changed in the last two centuries, America remains a staunch defender of these values enshrined in our founding document: “…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.” Few words in American history have had as much influence on our world as these. Through wars and times of peace, through innovation and technological revolution, through prosperity and recession, these principles have remained a guiding light to our way of life, and have provided for a safer, freer world.
We, as Americans, have a moral obligation to preserve and protect our liberties. As President Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” Whether that means bravely serving our country abroad, or simply being an engaged citizen, our Republic cannot function without the citizenry taking responsibility for the betterment of the nation and the protection of our values.
On this Independence Day, may we remember those who have come before us, who have sacrificed their lives in defense of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. May we recognize our nation’s tremendous progress, and the many contributions America has made to make our world a better place. But most importantly, may we each be reinvigorated with a sense of pride and personal responsibility for the preservation of our Republic, and the values that make America truly great.
May God bless you, your family, and your community as you celebrate this week, and may God continue to bless these United States of America.