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“Independence Forever.” President John Adams offered those, his last public words, on the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.  

Today his words are just as fitting as we commemorate the 236^th anniversary of that same Declaration.  

The uniquely American opportunities to raise families in freedom and work toward the pursuit of dreams are ours because fifty-six men chose to risk everything to sign the Declaration of Independence, and thousands more stood to fight for its principles. In breaking ties with England, these patriots changed the landscape of history, and on the presumption that all men are created equal, made possible the birth of a free and independent United States.

The miracle of their accomplishment warrants a joyous July 4^th celebration. In fact, President John Adams wrote to his wife that Independence Day “ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more. “ Our North Carolina celebrations certainly won’t disappoint his standards.   

But as we celebrate, let us remember that we are able to do so because brave men and women still stand ready to give their last full measure of devotion to the cause of freedom. Today we give thanks for them and remember the loved ones awaiting their return. Many family celebrations will surely feel the sting of their absence as our troops tend to liberty’s cause throughout the world.

America is the shining city on a hill, the last best hope of earth. And she is entirely worth fighting for. May we be mindful of the price paid by many for her preservation then and now, and may we be willing to sacrifice just as greatly for freedom.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx