Today Americans gather to celebrate as a nation both our independence and freedom. We honor those who have fought and died to give us the ability to walk this land without fear of persecution. The United States is a nation built on the back of injustice one who fought to overcome religious persecutions, escape a dark slave past, one that seeks to have equality and freedom for all… a nation that continues to search and fight for justice. We celebrate today a nation that stands for justice, the right to free speech, the right of religious choice, the right to live our lives how we choose to live. However while we may not always agree with each other, and our country is not by far perfect, it is known that our children and their children live, and will continue to live, in a country where their opportunities are endless. Yet lets us also not forget that our freedoms have all come at a price, and that they do not befall upon us, but are the inheritance of our forefathers and foremothers. And while freedom is ours, it is still heavily guarded by those men and women, who serve in our military, work in our government, human rights workers and everyday citizens who have ensured that these rights continue to remain for us and future generations.
Take a moment from your BBQ’s and parties, and with your friends and family, and reflect for a moment to remember that countless millions of men, women and children around the globe are not so fortunate. For there are some 27 million people around the world who continue to remain affected by modern slavery, and that millions of children around the world who are faced with the daily ravages of war and conflict. Millions of children continue to face gender inequality; are denied an education, are sexually exploited, suffer needlessly from preventable diseases and poverty. Forget not that these children are not always in some land far away, but here in our own back yard… here in the land of freedom.
Use your freedom and your voice to help those who cannot celebrate today among the summer fun of BBQ’s and sit under the night sky ablaze with fireworks. Remember that freedom is not free, and it is the right of every man, woman and child.
