An Independence Day Statement from Congressman Lee Zeldin
241 years ago, our Founding Fathers stood strong in the face of tyranny, the greatest enemy of the common man, when they joined together to sign the Declaration of Independence. One of New York’s four signers became the first representative of New York’s First Congressional District, William Floyd. Not content to allow the burden of oppression to prevail, our Founding Fathers ignited a revolution the likes of which the world had never seen and has yet to be matched to this day. In doing so, they formulated a system of governance which provided its citizens with a revolutionary concept: freedom.
On Independence Day, we celebrate the essential virtues of personal liberty, self-reliance, and equality of opportunity. We cherish our freedoms and believe that it is this sustained liberty and leadership in America which makes us so exceptional. Personal autonomy is the lifeblood of our people; a value that without, we lose our identity.
Our Founding Fathers pioneered the concept of autonomous government of the people, by the people, and for the people. On this day so many years ago, the Declaration of Independence was signed by men who saw a better future for the great people of this nation, one where they could design their own destiny without intrusion from a central power.
As these legendary visionaries wrote, “… 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.” The words written on that sacred document ring true to this very day.
Preservation of this liberty is paramount, and generations of Americans have fought to uphold the ideals our nation was created upon. The sacrifices of our military veterans, many of whom paid the ultimate price in defense of our great country and the liberties we hold dear, must never be forgotten. We are forever grateful for the heroic actions of all who have served and continue to serve today to protect us and our families. Our nation’s path to greatness is forever paved with the deeds of these heroes, and to that, we owe a debt which can never fully be repaid.
Between the barbecues and fireworks, on Independence Day, we come together to celebrate our great, most exceptional nation