Independence Day has once again arrived, however, the American spirit embodied by the celebration of our country’s birthday is with us year-round. Though today we still have plenty of issues to face and obstacles to overcome, we can be thankful our system of constitutional government, established by the Founding Fathers more than 200 years ago, stands strong against the test of time.
In the late 1700s, the 13 American colonies were faced with a tough decision. Though they were an official part of the British Empire, they had no right to vote for members of Parliament, the body that controlled their laws and taxes. Under British rule they had no freedom, but declaring independence would be incredibly costly. Our founding fathers knew many soldiers would die in the war to come, and they themselves risked execution for treason if the colonies lost. But the opportunity of building a new nation — one, as President Abraham Lincoln put it, “conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” — was too wonderful to ignore.
Ultimately, the colonists chose to do what was right rather than what was easy, rising against their British rulers to establish a free nation for future generations. Without their bravery, the United States could never have become what it is today: living proof that democracy is a viable system of government able to preserve the liberty of its citizens through political accountability, what President Ronald Reagan called “a city on a hill” for the world to emulate.
Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays because of this history. The 4th of July is more than just a day off of work; it’s a reminder to always stand for what is morally right. Even if it’s difficult, it’ll always be worth it in the end.
As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.