Independence Day

Whoever said President Bush never gave a good speech?

In honor of Independence Day just around the corner, I’d like to share this speech that Bush gave in Philadelphia back in 2001, shortly before the events of September 11th.  It’s an outstanding speech, regardless of what you think of Bush.

“Why We Celebrate Independence Day”

Excerpts from remarks by President George W. Bush
at the Independence Day Celebration,
Independence Historic National Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
July 4, 2001

Today we celebrate American independence, in the place of America’s birth, close to a symbol of American liberty. As millions know, to see the Liberty Bell is a moving experience. In America we set aside certain places and treasures like this to protect them from the passing of the years. We grant them special care to mark a moment in time. Here in Philadelphia, these markers are all around us, reminders of our history.
This is a dynamic and modern city. Yet, if the founders themselves were here, they would know the place. Benjamin Franklin and his wife could still find their way from here to the corner where they first saw each other, at Market and 4th. John Adams could make his way to City Tavern and show us the spot where he first shook the hand of George Washington. Thomas Jefferson would still find waiting for him the room where he drafted the Declaration of Independence.
* * *

When Jefferson sat down to write, he was trying, he said, to place before mankind “the common sense of the subject.” The common sense of the subject was that we should be free. And though great evils would linger, the world would never be the same after July 4, 1776. A wonderful country was born, and a revolutionary idea sent forth to all mankind: Freedom, not by the good graces of government, but as the birthright of every individual. Equality, not as a theory of philosophers, but by the design of our Creator. Natural rights, not for the few, not even for a fortunate many, but for all people in all places, in all times.
The world still echoes with the ideals of America’s Declaration. Our ideals have been accepted in many countries, and bitterly opposed by tyrants. They are the mighty rock on which we have built our nation. They are the hope of all who are oppressed. They are the standard to which we hold others, and the standard by which we measure ourselves.
Our greatest achievements have come when we have lived up to these ideals. Our greatest tragedies have come when we have failed to uphold them.
* * *
On this 4th of July, 2001, a great anniversary of our nation’s birth … , we remember the ideals of America and the things of the spirit that sustain them.
The Liberty Bell has been mostly silent for two centuries. And during the Revolution, it was unseen, hidden under the floorboards of a church in Allentown. Yet, even in silence, it has always borne one message, cast for the ages with the words of the Old Testament: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof.” In this place of history, we honor the first generation of Americans who followed those words. And we give thanks to the God who watched over our country then, and who watches to this very day.
Thank you, all. And may God bless America.

Tags: Independence Day, 4th of July, George W. Bush, American Founding Fathers, Philadelphia

1776

Summertime always seems to bring out the patriot in people. I’m no different, so I usually try to do something to remind me of the importance of the Independence Day season. I just finished reading 1776, by David McCullough, a narrative of the events that happened in the American colonies/states during that year.

Everyone needs to read this book.  I understand that war histories aren’t everyone’s thing, as my wife reminds me, but this book is so much more than a history of some war that happened a long time ago.  It is about the birth of a nation in the midst of terrible and trying conditions.  It is about the faith and perseverance that the first Americans had to keep going in the face of seeming impossible odds.  And it is an eye-opener to how events really went down that decided the future of this country.

I’ve always thought any book that examines Washington’s life and decisions, if only in part, would be worth a read.  1776 does that, but it also shows us how without so many others and their decisions – officers and soldiers alike, the outcome of the war could have been very different.  You will view Nathanael Green, Henry Knox, and others in new light and with much appreciation for what they did to assist Washington.  And I view the common soldiers with new respect after reading about the conditions that they had to fight through and the courage that many of them had to stay with the army.

Possibly my favorite thing about the book is how McCullough makes note of events that happened during the war that could not be explained.  There were a number of occasions when fogs and storms appeared just when the American needed them.  Many people at the time attributed this to Providence, and I would agree wholeheartedly that that is exaclty what is was.  For those who believe that the founding of this country was made possible by diving intervention, as I do, there are parts of this history that are truly amazing.

It really is a great read that will have you appreciating our great country.  And what better time to read it.

Tags: American Revolution, David McCullough, 1776, Independence Day, George Washington