An American's Thoughts on July 4th

"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."

   It was such a bold, optimistic, ambitious statement the signers of the Declaration of Independence made 240 years ago. These words set off a chain of events and inspired other countries to pursue more representative governments. In the intervening two and a half centuries we have struggled to learn--and are still learning--what it means to be a country founded on a belief in these truths. 

    We are not perfect, we never have been. We have made mistakes, and, too often have been comfortable living in opposition to our stated beliefs. At times we have let our differences fracture us and our fears override our freedoms. We are still learning, still striving and straining, to live up to our birthright. Often we take steps backward in between our steps forward. 

   But the dream is still worth pursuing. Countless before us have sacrificed for these truths: soldiers both at home and on foreign shores, suffragettes, abolitionists, freedom riders and integrationists. Millions of immigrants have come here seeking these ideals and contributed greatly to improving our country. 

   The self-evident truths that encouraged and emboldened so many over the past 240 years are our legacy. May we be encouraged by the bravery of those who came before us and not give in to fear or contention. As Lincoln said at Gettysburg, "it is for the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far nobly advanced..."