Independence Day, 2007
What can we do to honor America's birthday, our Independence Day? I personally believe that such actions are required on a daily basis, and not just on one particular day. Celebrating America and ensuring the survival of the American ideal of liberty isn't just about having the day off from work, firing up the BBQ and spending time at the beach, though we do love these things! We must do more than that. Celebrating American independence and liberty requires teaching and learning American history, and with it an ongoing love of country, even if that might be out of fashion in the blue states and big cities. Our nation is steeped in a very rich history that isn't told because of the need to be politically correct. This is a mistake. Ronald Reagan warned us of this very thing in his farewell address to the nation in 1989 when he said, "If we forget what we did, we won't know who we are. I'm warning of an eradication of the American memory that could result, ultimately, in an erosion of the American spirit. Let's start with some basics: more attention to American history and a greater emphasis on civic ritual."
How many people know the story of Captain Ingraham and Kocha, an immigrant and proud American citizen? Kocha was kidnapped in the dead of night and Ingraham, the captain of a tiny little American war sloop, demanded his release. Ingraham told the Austrians that any attempt to leave the port they were docked in, with Kocha, would be met with appropriate force. Standing proudly and backed by the American flag, Ingraham secured Kocha's release. But the captain felt that he might have disgraced his country and so he resigned. In his letter of resignation he said, “I did what I thought my oath of office required, but if I have embarrassed my country in any way, I resign.” His resignation was refused in the United States Senate with these words: “This battle that was never fought may turn out to be the most important battle in our Nation’s history.”
How many people know the story of Haym Salomon, and how one Jewish American essentially ensured the birth of our great nation? He personally risked his entire fortune to fund the American Revolution, which he believed would provide a place where Jews could live free until Jerusalem rose again. Salomon raised money whenever necessary in order to ensure this young nation's survival. He died penniless and was buried in an unmarked grave in Philadelphia. Not a fitting end to this great patriot, but his efforts are appreciated by those who know his story.
Those are just two of the great American stories, but are highly illustrative of the American spirit and that independence is the very best of ideals that we can strive for as a nation. The United States Marines' motto is "Semper Fidelis", which means "Always Faithful". But being faithful isn't an ideal that only our beloved Marine Corp should possess. We must all be faithful: to God; to our country; to our family and friends; and to those who bless us with the gift of their love. Just as importantly, being faithful to the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution is greatest gift we can pass on to our posterity. This, and only this, will ensure the survival of liberty and the American experiment.
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two of the greatest Americans, died on the same day: July 4th, 1826. Isn't it amazing that two of the men who risked their lives for liberty would die on the same day, our Independence Day? In the eulogy for both, Daniel Webster proclaimed "It [the Declaration of Independence] is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God, it shall be my dying sentiment. Independence now, and independence forever."
Yes. Independence now, and independence forever.
Happy Independence Day, America.
How many people know the story of Captain Ingraham and Kocha, an immigrant and proud American citizen? Kocha was kidnapped in the dead of night and Ingraham, the captain of a tiny little American war sloop, demanded his release. Ingraham told the Austrians that any attempt to leave the port they were docked in, with Kocha, would be met with appropriate force. Standing proudly and backed by the American flag, Ingraham secured Kocha's release. But the captain felt that he might have disgraced his country and so he resigned. In his letter of resignation he said, “I did what I thought my oath of office required, but if I have embarrassed my country in any way, I resign.” His resignation was refused in the United States Senate with these words: “This battle that was never fought may turn out to be the most important battle in our Nation’s history.”
How many people know the story of Haym Salomon, and how one Jewish American essentially ensured the birth of our great nation? He personally risked his entire fortune to fund the American Revolution, which he believed would provide a place where Jews could live free until Jerusalem rose again. Salomon raised money whenever necessary in order to ensure this young nation's survival. He died penniless and was buried in an unmarked grave in Philadelphia. Not a fitting end to this great patriot, but his efforts are appreciated by those who know his story.
Those are just two of the great American stories, but are highly illustrative of the American spirit and that independence is the very best of ideals that we can strive for as a nation. The United States Marines' motto is "Semper Fidelis", which means "Always Faithful". But being faithful isn't an ideal that only our beloved Marine Corp should possess. We must all be faithful: to God; to our country; to our family and friends; and to those who bless us with the gift of their love. Just as importantly, being faithful to the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution is greatest gift we can pass on to our posterity. This, and only this, will ensure the survival of liberty and the American experiment.
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two of the greatest Americans, died on the same day: July 4th, 1826. Isn't it amazing that two of the men who risked their lives for liberty would die on the same day, our Independence Day? In the eulogy for both, Daniel Webster proclaimed "It [the Declaration of Independence] is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God, it shall be my dying sentiment. Independence now, and independence forever."
Yes. Independence now, and independence forever.
Happy Independence Day, America.
posted by The Rock | 8:47 AM
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