For a veteran such as myself, however this holiday takes on a different meaning. You see, I had the privilege to serve my country in both the United States Marine Corps and the Army National Guard, along with men and women who were more than fellow Marines and soldiers. They were my very good friends. And while I am here with you today, a few of those I served with cannot be. So it is in their honor that I share some 4th of July thoughts with you today.
This is a great holiday and it honors our great nation. Independence Day - The 4th of July - this is perhaps the most celebrated family holiday other than Thanksgiving and Christmas and that's appropriate because the 4th of July is all about our families. Our nation declared its independence in order for our families to live free - not just for one generation, but for future generations.
When the Continental Congress unanimously adopted a resolution on July 2nd calling for independence, within two days the Congress endorsed the Declaration of Independence in its final form. The 4th of July would ultimately become the most revered national holiday in our country.
Over 200 years ago our forefathers went up against the world's most colossal empire encountered since ancient Rome. No colony had ever successful left a mother country to set up a self-governing state. Not only were the historical odds set against them, they were set to fight against the world's most powerful Navy. King George III sent a massive armada for what became the largest amphibious assault of the 18th century- over 300 ships and 32,000 men.
On July 12th the British decided to test the rebel defenses by sending the Phoenix, a 44 gun battleship and the Rose, a 28 gun fig ate past southern Manhattan into the Hudson River. With guns blazing and cannonballs falling of rooftops, one to the first battle for independence occur in New York. The rebel response was led by Alexander Hamilton who commanded four of the largest cannons in the American arsenal which stood directory in the line of fire.
New York was eventually lost to the British. By mid August, only 20% of the citizens of New York City remained = a mere 5,000 citizens. General Washington's soldiers, whom included elderly men and young boys, would dwindle to fewer than 3,000 as British sea power and Hessian troops overran Fort Washington in Manhattan. General Washington retreated to New Jersey and it would be seven years before New York was taken from British control. But you know how the story ends…General Washington led his rag-tag troops across New Jersey. He would avoid large-scale confrontations that played to the British strength and began a new battle strategy. "We should on all occasions avoid a general action or put anything to risk unless compelled by a necessity into which we ought never be drawn," he told congress. Small Scale skirmishes and guerrilla tactics which favored American forests and landscape would replace traditional methods of battle. And, it worked. He won. We won. And the "United Colonies of America" became "Free and Independent states." The United States of America was born.
Perhaps it is ironic that our battle against terrorism also began with New York City as one of the first battlegrounds. The attack on September 11th initiated a new war - a war on terrorism. As then Deputy defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz told the troops in Fallujah, Iraq as that city was fallen, "What you're doing is fighting another kind of evil. It's not fascism; it's not communism; but it's every bit as evil. And I think it's every bit as dangerous to our country." And in this war, there is no armada of British ships visible across the New York harbor. The enemy is present but hidden. Battle plans have been rewritten to combat this pervasive enemy. Our children will never experience the world as it was before 9/11. That event changed our outlook on the future, but it did not change our love for America. Our ability and agility will form the foundation of future war-fighting. Our determination to win, however was forged over 200 years ago when the insurmountable odds were overcome. The 4th of July is truly our Independence Day - a day of celebrations, of remembrance, and of rededication to our country.
I know that you share with me your pride in being an American. Our country has rapidly evolved in the past tow decades, and we must remember our birthright. A birthright which was founded on moral values by God-fearing men with integrity and a will to overcome unsurmountable odds. The American colonies became the United States of America because of our determination, our self-discipline and most of all, our dreams. Our desire for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in not a coined phrase, but a day-to-day philosophy celebrating free expression, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and the right to be and remain free.
It is in this spirit of freedom that the 4th of July should be celebrated. Our Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen are working all over the world to support the vision that became a reality over 200 years ago. They are willing to spend the 4th of July away from their families so that we can be with ours. simply put, our military members do the job many Americans wither cannot do, or simply will not do.
So I hope between the softball and the BBQ and the picnics and the fireworks, each of yo will take a few moments to send a prayer of thanks. Thanks to our forefathers for their vision and thanks to our military men and women around the world for their dedication.
President Ronald Reagan said in his 4th of July message, "Let the Fourth of July always be a reminder that here in tis land, for the first time, it was decided that man is born with certain God-given rights; that government is only a convenience created and managed by the people, with no powers of its own except those voluntary granted to it by the people."
I challenge each of you to thank a veteran for their sacrifices made on and off the battle field. I challenge yo to proudly splay our American Flag wherever and whenever you can. And lastly, I challenge yo to pray for America. Pray that the values that our country was founded upon will remain for future generations of Americans - our descendants. Freedom was not simply given to us by our forefathers…it was fought for! Happy 4th of July to each of you. May you continue to celebrate our freedom, and may God Bless America.
Thank you Chief Dan Brown. Inspiring message. To hear you deliver it live on the 4th of July was a treat.
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