As Americans, freedom is the value that we hold most precious. Our belief in freedom for the individual lies at the very core of what it means to be an American. In fact, we hold this belief so dear that generations of Americans have fought for it, sacrificed for it, and died to protect it. Yet, as President Ronald Reagan famously said:
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
It is about this that I would like to talk with you. In the United States, there has always existed a kind of an unwritten rule between generations that guarantees the preservation of our freedoms and our way of life. It’s not something that can be found explicitly written in documents like the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, or the Declaration of Independence. Instead, it’s a social contract of sorts that each of us as Americans is bound to – like a solemn oath. It exists to ensure that what we hold dear is passed on to our children, grandchildren and beyond. It’s essential to the survival of our values and our freedom.
The famed philosopher and statesman Edmund Burke once stated, “Society is indeed a contract, a partnership not only between those who are living, but between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are to be born.” We may not regularly speak or hear about this unwritten rule, or even actively think about it, but it is integrated into almost every aspect of American life. However, there are moments when we must give it more attention, when it requires a comprehensive examination to ensure we’re fulfilling our end of the bargain to future generations. When we fail to do so, we jeopardize the preservation of our democracy.
So how do we do this? How do ensure that freedom is guaranteed for future generations? It starts first by making sure it exists in our local communities. Last week, we spoke about the importance of local news outlets. Guaranteeing a free and robust press at the local level allows for the free flow of ideas that can help communities flourish. In addition to that, make sure we’re championing local businesses, free enterprise, and the American entrepreneurial spirit. But most importantly, we need to make sure that our educational system and extra-curricular programs, from pre-k to continuing education teach American history, civics and share the basic principles of our Founding, our heritage and what it means to be an American. Sadly, today, we find this lacking in so many venues – and therefore, need to take aggressive, positive action to remedy this at all levels. The good news is that if we commit ourselves to this effort and act now – we have within our power the ability to pass the torch of freedom to the next generation.
This is just a starting point. As we face continued threats to our freedoms at home and abroad, let’s commit ourselves to taking vigorous action – Let’s do all we can to preserve the precious freedom that so many have fought and died for. Our collective actions can ensure that our way of life is preserved for those who come after us. Not just for their sake, but for the sake of democracy throughout the world. We have always been a beacon of hope for those across the world who aspire to live under freedom. We can and must pass this legacy on to the next generation. It is our duty to do so.
