“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” are among the best-known words in the Declaration of Independence. It is an awesome document we celebrate today, 232 years after its adoption by the Congress.
Colonists sought freedom from the dictatorial regime of King George. They wanted more say in how to govern themselves and more freedom in practicing the principles behind the birth of the New World.
Yet today we can find little to be happy about. Or can we?
The 9/11 terrorist attacks nearly seven years ago were a defining moment for our country and how we respond to far-reaching tragedies and to one another.
Since that day, we have faced a turbulent economy and engaged in an unpopular war against Iraq with no viable exit strategy. Gas prices have depleted our wallets and escalated prices on everything from food to luxuries.
Businesses have closed or laid off employees. Congress is embroiled in political battles that do little to move us forward, the debacle over illegal immigration a prime example.
And then there are the heartbreaking natural disasters: Hurricane Katrina, droughts, fires and the recent flooding of America’s heartland along the Mississippi River.
Right here in our own backyard, portions of Windsor were demolished by a milewide tornado in May, just one of hundreds of storms this spring that have wreaked havoc throughout the country.
Our lists of sadness, loss and devastation could be endless.
But happily, this is the United States and we are rock solid in the principles behind the Declaration that grant us that one promise: hope.
Our country’s history reflects other catastrophic events: the Civil War, fires, earthquakes, the Depression, Pearl Harbor.
But at every turn the citizenry rose up in expectation that we can rebuild, recover, renew.
Life in America is more than just existing. It is fortifying standards and reinforcing the example that we can be better, that we will be better.
It is embracing the bravery of the Colonists, the determination of the pioneers, the resiliency of World War II veterans.
All these qualities, and more, give us the basic belief, as penned by Thomas Jefferson: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Show your fortitude. Fly the flag today.
Celebrate independence. And self-governance. And liberty.
And remember the men and women fighting still today in Iraq and Afghanistan.
