Reflection on American Independence and Values

Great nations are born of great people.

They cannot survive long without them.

Duty, sacrifice, service to a cause beyond

oneself, belief in something larger and more important

than the individual.

These, these are the causes that impelled a group of extraordinary men

to

declare their independence to the world two hundred and fifty years ago.

The men who signed our Declaration of Independence understood that liberty meant

something much more than being able to do whatever one wants.

It was not the mere absence of limits.

It was not liberation from man's duty to family, to nation,

to God.

They understood that order and virtue are the

indispensable foundation of a free people,

and that human virtue has to be cultivated by human

institutions

like the family,

the church,

just and moral laws,

and the habits and practices of self-government.

This is the true American tradition of freedom passed down to

us across the generations, stewarded and defended by men

and women for two hundred and fifty years.

It has been the foundation of American greatness.

Let us all pray

that it will continue for the next two hundred and fifty years as

well.