On July 4th, the United States celebrates its 238th
birthday, declaring our independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence gives the
three examples of “unalienable rights” of life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness, being given to all human beings by their Creator and for which
governments are created to protect. Over
the years, many individuals have sacrificed their lives, families and futures
to protect these rights.
On this Fourth of July, we might celebrate our freedom and
independence by participating in various activities: barbecuing, congregating with loved ones,
attending a parade or watching fireworks and enjoying our precious free
time. But July Fourth is also a time to reflect,
take stock and appreciate the deep freedoms we enjoy every day in our country.
Freedom quotes:
“Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life
in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience,
good health, occupation and freedom in all just pursuits.”
“Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?”
“This, then, is the state of the union: free and restless,
growing and full of hope. So it was in
the beginning. So it shall always be,
while God is willing, and we are strong enough to keep the faith.”
The New Colossus by
Emma Lazarus (1883)
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her
beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your
tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
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