Everyone has heard the line “four score and seven years ago.” But the reasons that line exists are more important than the six words themselves. The phrase comes from Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Gettysburg Address, in which the 16th president reflects on how our country was founded. The United States has come a long way. From pilgrims, to pioneers, from cave-town miners, to big-city businessmen, state by state, the U.S. has matured into a leader in the world’s industrialized nations.
On July 4, 1776, the United States of America was founded with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, an event that signified America officially cutting its ties with Britain. However, the process of this great country achieving its independence did not just take a day. Blood, sweat and tears of our forefathers went into writing the Declaration of Independence. These men sacrificed everything they had, including their lives. The British charged some with treason, others fought and died in the Revolutionary War and many witnessed their homes and livelihood taken from them and destroyed. Yet, all stood proud and pledged their devotion. With the stroke of a pen, 56 men created the United States of America, the icon of democracy and freedom.
Our forefathers gave us a nation that believes in its people, a government of the people and by the people, and a people whose freedom will be defended against all enemies. On July 4, 2020, the United States of America will celebrate another birthday, 244 years of independence, liberty, freedom and the uninterrupted pursuit of happiness.
While you are celebrating this patriotic holiday, filled with all-American food and traditions centering on spectacles of sight, sound and sentiment, remember our freedom came with a price. And as our courageous soldiers can attest, it is a price that will never be paid in full.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.