Today Americans celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of this great country. As Americans we enjoy a great number of freedoms that many in this world have never known the taste of: to speak our mind with liberty, to vote with conscience, and to be a country governed of the people, by the people and for the people.
These rights and privileges granted to us by so many who have gone before and set the foundations of this great nation are to be celebrated and respected. Our nation sets this day aside to remember and rejoice.
Last year we
quoted John Adams ... this year we finish that same quotation with the reality that this freedom is not free; there has and will continue to be cost associated with it's defense.
President Adams writing to his wife:
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means.
It is our great hope that wherever you find yourself today that you are able to celebrate. Some will be on the road, others will be at home, but all are free. Thanks to the convictions of our founding fathers and the dedication of countless others we are free. We are thankful for so many who have served our country and we extend gratitude to each of you today for your service.