As we celebrate our nation’s independence this Fourth of July, the events of September 11 and our continuing war against terrorism remind us that the price of freedom is never paid. With the recent war in Iraq, the need to show patriotism is more obvious and Independence Day is the perfect time for us to take stock of our freedoms and rededicate ourselves to this nation. Like our forefathers who left England’s tyranny and battled on American soil for the freedoms we enjoy today, we too must direct every ounce of our resolve to ensuring this nation against future attacks on our beliefs. More than 225 years ago, people like Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and George Washington formed this nation and laid the groundwork for what it was to become. Our heritage is built on those who went to war, whether it was World War I or World War II, whether it was in Korea, Vietnam, or the Persian Gulf, they went to battle to ensure that the United States of America would always flourish as “one nation, under God.” Our Independence Day need not just be on July Fourth; it can be celebrated every day. We celebrate Independence Day when we choose how and where to worship, when we say what we want and work where we like, and when we wake up each day free from the fear of persecution. There is no other nation on this earth that enjoys the freedoms that we so greatly value here in the United States. In many countries, people are told what to believe, told which god to worship, or told they cannot worship at all. They are prohibited from gathering and speaking their minds. The September 11 terrorist attacks and recent war with Iraq have given birth to a new wave of patriotism. How will we ever forget the torn and tattered flags that flew at the site of the attacks? Or the thousands of people who came to the aid of the 9-11 victims and their families? Or the heroic rescue of Private Jessica Lynch from her Iraqi captors? Patriotism today is in many people: in the police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who rushed to the aid of their fellow Americans September 11. In the thousands of volunteers who worked around the clock in the days after the attack. In the men and women who went to war for our country. But true patriotism is also alive and well in our own communities. What about our local law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS people? What about the veterans from Stearns County who have fought for our freedoms? And what about the men and women, especially those from central Minnesota, called to serve in today’s military and reserves? True patriots, one and all. As we continue in our war against terror, let us all strive to become better patriots. Let us live so that others can see in us our love for our country, our love for our God and our love for our fellow Americans. Let us show one another that the freedoms secured by our forefathers are as important today as they have ever been. I wish you all a very happy and healthy Independence Day!
