First off, I’d like to thank Almighty God for my adopted country, America the beautiful and powerful.
I thank America for having given me the opportunity to serve her in defense of her freedom and democracy, independence and liberty. As always, I pray, “God bless the United States of America.” May she continue to be the symbol of freedom, liberty, independence, democracy, justice, and equality for all.
The Fourth of July is more than a celebration of sale events for businesses in all of the 50 states that contribute to the income and revenue of both individuals and corporations, and the economy of the United States of America, in general.
It is not only a day off from work or school but also a day spent with family and friends barbecuing, cooking out, picnicking in the park, enjoying concerts, fireworks, jubilation, sharing together their freedom, dreams, frustrations, and politics.
It is a celebration of unity and thanksgiving to the founding fathers of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and all veterans, dead or alive, retired or active or reserve.
It is an important event that have made and continues to make the United States of America great. Why? Because America is independent and free, liberated and yet united! She has the freedom that is so unique from the rest of the world since July 4, 1776. As the leader of the Free World, she represents the world because of her diversity of people. She is truly a nation of immigrants who desire to get better and be free from poverty, lack of will power, all the indignities that reduce the worth and value of being a part of the human race.
It’s a fact that freedom is all that every human being wishes to have. But not everyone has it. It is this freedom America has that makes her unique and great, and powerful. It is this freedom that many Americans have fought, died and cherished for generations to come. It is this freedom that leads America to help free other nations from oppression and abuse of power from autocrats and dictators. Yes, it is this freedom that sets others free and independent. It is this freedom that perpetuates liberty, justice, peace, and the rule of law and order, and equality for all.
The Fourth of July is an annual, national holiday celebration of freedom and liberty, an Independence Day for all Americans both here and abroad, It is also celebrated by non-American citizens and immigrants and their relations who are freedom-lovers and keepers and have lived here in the United States and her territories for years. They do what they can do to help preserve that freedom they so cherish and enjoy. Others have served in the armed forces of the United States, and others have died in defense of freedom. These veterans of different wars and conflicts engaged by the United States have never wavered their conviction of protecting our country’s freedom and independence. They and other public servants have volunteered to serve to defend our freedom and the United States wholeheartedly without reservation.
This freedom, liberty and independence, and the pursuit of happiness and equality by all are what embodies the United States of America! These are the embodiment of democracy that makes America a beacon of hope, a paragon of all that is great and ideal and beautiful.
It’s been a common knowledge that Independence Day or the Fourth of July is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain.
What better way to commemorate and celebrate the Fourth of July than to recall an immortal speech from an American lawyer, planter, and politician turned famous orator from Virginia, Patrick Henry, who said, “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forgive it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.”
Happy Fourth of July!
-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.
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