ANDERSON, Indiana, July 4, 2011 /
Christian Newswire/ -- U.S. Congressman Mike Pence commemorated Independence Day with the following op-ed:
Pence Commemorates Independence Day
This weekend, as we enjoy the great traditions of the Fourth of July, let us also take time as individuals, families and a nation, to commemorate and celebrate our freedom and independence.
On Independence Day, we celebrate that day over two centuries ago, when America stepped out from the shadow of tyranny, declared its independence and formed its own government. The courage of our Founders, who took this stand in the face of the most powerful empire in the world, is the cause of our celebration and it should be at the heart of every picnic, parade and fireworks display. They pledged their "lives, fortunes and sacred honor" to stand up to oppression and declare that "all men are created equal" and that governments derive their "just powers from the consent of the governed."
And to our inestimable benefit, and the benefit of the world, freedom won.
In communities throughout this nation, there will be celebrations, fireworks, barbeques and parades. As President John Adams wrote of the first Independence Day, "It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It 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."
On this Independence Day, let us take to heart the decree of our second president. And let us also remember, there are those who are fighting abroad today so that we may remain free. As we fill the skies with fireworks, let us give thanks for those who fought, and those who still fight, to preserve our heritage of freedom. We must never forget the cost of war and the incalculable price that is being paid on our behalf by those who sacrifice by being away from loved ones, hearth and home so that they may keep us free.
Let us commemorate this day with thanksgiving to God for the blessings of liberty and let us celebrate the great gift of freedom and the joy that befits a free people.
From the Pence family to your family: "Have a safe and happy Independence Day, and let freedom ring."
