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Independence Day
America is amazing.
America is humankind’s anchor in freedom.
America is far from perfect.
America is worthy of our pride.
America is freedom’s bright beacon in a dark world.
She is a 249-year-old idea that is, in fact, perfectly imperfect. And she has grown shockingly mighty, staggeringly wealthy, unstoppably powerful—and dangerously, perilously indebted—in those years.
Some people point relentlessly to our many mistakes over those years, but patriotic Americans do not dwell on these shortcomings. We learn from them, endeavor to do and be better, and as we move forward in time and toward our rendezvous with destiny and eternity, there is no time to waste, and much is to be done.
America has been nearly lost so many times throughout history that it’s hard to count. But somehow, some way, we made it. And it’s impossible not to see God’s hand in our vast successes over the years. His presence and His plan are on full display. Some have called America a work of divine providence. Others have cursed its very existence. We live in a place where you are free to do both.
But always—when the smoke clears from America’s battlefields and internal arguments—time after time, there she is: standing tall and proud, if not sometimes tattered and disheveled; weary but upright; struggling and successful—and still beautiful, mighty, and compassionate. All at the same time.
America is strong—with the ability to destroy any enemy with the push of a button; the compassion to address the basic needs of humanity in the face of rage and hatred; and the uncanny discernment to know which path to follow at precisely the right time. We are the very definition and embodiment of peace through strength.
America is unique because we are a country built on a creed. At the heart of America is liberty, equality, justice, and humanity.
England is English. France is French. Germany is German. Russia is Russian. China is Chinese. But America was founded on a creed of We the People. America is not just a piece of dirt—it is the ideals we hold in our hearts. If not for America, France and England would speak German; northern Europe would speak Russian; and the world would be contemplating the specter of learning Mandarin Chinese.
America does not continue simply because it currently exists. It is not ordained to last forever—or even another minute. It must be defended with arms, words, and actions. We must be willing to fight for her. Sacrifice is the fuel that drives freedom. And freedom is the only objective.
Those who willfully tread on America—or who threaten others we deem unable to defend themselves—have found, over these many years, that American might comes swiftly, like a lightning bolt: fast, precise, and fiercely severe. Those who are defenseless or in need of the basics of human existence and dignity have found America always willing to open her arms and comfort them—defending, feeding, caring for, and clothing them. We are unlike any country Earth has ever known. And that should make you proud.
When things go sideways anywhere on Earth, people everywhere are relieved to see the U.S. flag and Americans coming their way. And likewise, our enemies cringe and cower, knowing we aren’t there to say hello. We are there to plant our flag in defense—not aggression—until the battle is won. Then, we pick up our flag, and we go home.
All of these things make me so very proud of America.
Yes, we’ve made mistakes. We’ve undercut and supported regimes in other countries that were poor choices and ultimately harmed our long-term goal of peace. We’ve said and done things across the globe—and on our shores—that are indeed reprehensible. And each time, for better or worse, we’ve carried on, striving to be better. The greatness of America is entirely worthy of our pride—and our sacrifices.
America is about our best days being in front of us. I believe this with all my heart—because we hold the world steadily on an even keel. Without America’s ideals, our military muscle, our steady hand and calm head, our giving spirit, and the international diplomatic relationships we’ve built, humanity would quickly devolve into chaos.
That is not the world our forefathers and foremothers envisioned for us. And it is not the world they wanted us to leave for future generations.
So, I ask you—on America’s 249th birthday—to renew your commitment to liberty, equality, justice, and humanity. These principles are ingrained in our DNA, and we should all endeavor to see the good, cure the bad, and celebrate and support the aging, ongoing, and glorious republic we call home. America is the last true bastion of freedom on this planet—and she is worth fighting for. Humanity depends on our continued success, and our children’s children deserve to live in this American dream, on this American ride.
Go to a parade today, have a hot dog, or watch the fireworks displays tonight, and rejoice in these beautiful and lofty words: “I am an American.”
Happy Independence Day.
May God bless America, and may she go on forever and ever.
“A republic, if you can keep it.”
— Benjamin Franklin
~ MDB
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