At the start of this new year, one of the dates coming up that we always honor, but this is a special honor of that day, because, on July 4 of this year, the United States of America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.
Throughout our history, Americans from all walks of life have shaped our story, including, and most importantly, the 56 colonists who signed the Declaration of Independence. These men —if it was happening today, there’d be women in that group — these men reflected profiles in courage, pledging their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor on a piece of parchment paper.
As benefactors of their bold commitment to freedom, we must never take for granted the remarkable risk and providential promise that they embraced.
Since July the 4, 1776, Americans can trace a shared heritage, a heritage of freedom to that founding document proclaiming our unalienable rights and self-evident truths: equality, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The Declaration of Independence launched the American Experiment that continues from one generation to the next. This experiment is unique in the 6,000-year history of humans.
Earlier this week, the Washington Monument here on our National Mall was illuminated to mark keystones in American history: discovery, independence, westward expansion, the industrial revolution, innovation and the future.
Last August, the year-long Great American State Fair was launched at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa. On this Fourth of July, fair exhibits from all 50 states will be featured on the National Mall right here in Washington, D.C.
I encourage Americans of all walks of life to participate in local celebrations across our beautiful country. I’m grateful to celebrate 250 years of freedom and honor all those who serve in uniform to keep us free for generations yet to come.
