Celebrating the Independence of the Greatest Nation in the World
An Op-ed Written by Congressman Lee Zeldin (NY-01)
240 years ago today, a revolutionary concept, one which has lit the world since its inception, was drafted by our founding fathers: a government for the people and by the people, where no man was above the law and freedom and liberty would reign. Against the greatest military force of the time, we declared in one unified voice that we would no longer be subject to the tyrannical rule of a King thousands of miles away, and that we, as one indivisible nation, would control our own destiny. That concept is America, and today we are reminded of the fight our people took to establish this democracy and we honor the sacrifices of all those who came before us to make this nation the envy of the world.
While celebrating today with friends and loved ones at barbecues, parades, firework shows and other festivities, we must not forget the history that is rooted in this day and appreciate the freedom we have and those who fought to attain it during the revolution; those early Americans who, as Francis Scott Key noted, searched in the night for that earlier version of our battle torn banner. On this day in 1776, 56 patriots came forth and in a voice of defiance declared that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” While this phrase may seem commonplace today, it was considered high treason to the crown at the time and punishable by death. “We must all hang together, or, assuredly, we will all hang separately,” quipped Benjamin Franklin. In the face of the ensuing tribulations, bloodshed, and despair, ardent patriots like Major Benjamin Tallmadge of Setauket who commanded the 2nd Continental Dragoons and Chief Intelligence officer for General George Washington, and Ann Strong, also of Setauket, who was an essential intelligence agent in the infamous Culper Spy Ring, continued to fight to establish a nation of free individuals.
America has shown time and again that she is ready and able to meet the many challenges to preserve our security. Since the birth of this nation, democracy has spread across the globe. While we as a people have accomplished a great deal of things, much work remains ahead. Until all the world’s people can achieve the dream of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness as outlined by our founding fathers all those years ago, we must not rest, but remain vigilant in defending our democracy and American values, especially from those individuals or groups who try to take that from us. While our detractors seek to oppose us at every turn, we will follow the examples set by our founding fathers and persevere; we will honor their sacrifices, and make sure that the country they fought so hard to attain is never lost. Most importantly, we will continue to spread our message of freedom and opportunity for all across the globe.
In keeping with the founding fathers’ desire to ensure every citizen’s well-being, we must also ensure that our elected officials are living up to their promises as well. One of Congress’ most important responsibilities is passing laws that both ensure the safety of our citizens, but also does not trample the rights of law abiding citizens. In the wake of the recent terror attack in Orlando, Florida, and the rise of terror across the world, Congress must act to protect our citizens. For these reasons, I proposed legislation several months ago, the Protect America Act, which would prevent terrorists from purchasing firearms or explosives while protecting the due process rights of Americans. My proposal with Senator Cornyn, which will come to a vote on the House floor this upcoming week, in no way, shape or form infringes upon the rights of law abiding gun owners. What it does is ensure that terrorists do not have the ability to legally purchase firearms. While we frequently hear and read about terrorist attacks abroad, we have a very real, ongoing homeland security threat here within our own border, which is why we must remain ever vigilant in the fight against terror and always stand ready. America is a threat to evil, and has consequently been challenged by evil forces and actors in every chapter of her history.
Today, we celebrate the creation of the greatest nation in the world. We not only honor our great past but eagerly commit to an even brighter future. Let us remember the founders of this country, their vision, and the great responsibility entrusted in turn to each and every one of us. We must also thank all of the service members who continue to sacrifice their lives to defend our great nation, especially those who are serving today, who are away from their families so that we can celebrate this day with ours. The memory of these Americans, fighting against tyranny and oppression in Yorktown, Gettysburg, Belleau Wood, Normandy, Inchon, Saigon, Fallujah and Marjah, gently reminds us that blood and treasure will always be the cost of freedom.
Congressman Lee Zeldin, an Army veteran who continues to serve today as a Major in the Army Reserves, represents the First Congressional District of New York. In Congress, two of Representative Zeldin’s committee assignments are Veterans Affairs and Foreign Affairs.