July 4th — Celebrate the Birth of a Nation
Today, July 4th, we are celebrating a special birthday — the launching of a new nation that would become the world’s greatest exemplar of freedom and democracy. With our current concerns about the troubled economy, it is easy to lose sight of the challenges that faced our fore-fathers, and the continuing burdens we all share, as Americans, to maintain freedom at home and stand as an example to other peoples engaged in the struggle for democracy overseas.
In the Beginning — Overcoming Great Odds
In a July 4th speech, Navy Lt. Ellen Connors wrote: “Our nation declared its independence in order for our families to live free –- not just for one generation but for future generations. And what odds [the founding fathers] faced. It must have seemed impossible. Our forefathers went up against the world’s most colossal empire since ancient Rome. No colony had ever successfully left a mother country to set up a self-governing state. Not only were the historical odds set against them, they were set to fight against the world’s most powerful Navy — over 300 ships and 32,000 men.”
The Price of Freedom… The Pride of A Nation
Here is a selection from Daniel Webster’s July 4th, 1851 Oration. His words ring true a century and a half later:
“On the 4th of July, 1776, the assembled Representatives of the United States of America in Congress declared that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, FREE and INDEPENDENT States. This Declaration, made by most patriotic and resolute men, trusting in the justice of their cause and the protection of Heaven, and yet made not without deep solicitude and anxeity, has now stood for seventy-five years, and still stands. It was sealed in blood. It has met dangers, and overcome them; it has had enemies, and conquered them; it has had detractors, and abashed them all….
This anniversary animates, and gladdens, and unites all American hearts. On other days of the year we may be party men, indulging in controversies… and we may maintain our political differences… sometimes with angry feelings. But today, we are Americans all; and all nothing but Americans.
Every mans’ heart swells within him… as he remembers that seventy-five years have rolled away, and that the great inheritance of liberty is still his — his, undiminished and unimpaired, his in all its original glory; his to enjoy; his to protect; and his to transmit to future generations.”
Patriotic Computer Wallpapers
You can download a high-resolution version of the above image and other Fireworks Computer Wallpapers from Fireworks.com.
On this Independence Day, as we enjoy the picnics, the gatherings of friends and family, and the fireworks displays, it is important to remember that there would be no nation, no American Republic, but for the sacrifices of citizen soldiers over the past 233 years.
