Honoring generations of service

By U.S. Rep. Tom Cole
R-Oklahoma

On this Independence Day, as we celebrate the freedom we are all fortunate to share with our family and loved ones, we also reflect on our 247 year-long history and the immeasurable sacrifice undertaken for freedom to remain. Indeed, it is because of the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of the generations of U.S. service members that we may remain free.

As Americans, we enjoy so many liberties that many places throughout the world will never know. Although we live in an era of extreme divisiveness, we must remember that no matter what side of the aisle we are on or party affiliation, what brings us together is that we are all American. And because of the enduring promise of the pursuit of happiness and striving to become a more perfect union, we remain the country that most people want to come to.

However, the freedom we so cherish is paid for at a high price. From the Revolutionary War to present day, each generation of service members have answered the call to defend liberty and their courage and heroism certainly inspires us all. These remarkable individuals have shouldered the burden of defending our freedoms, often at great personal cost, and we should never forget that. The Fourth of July provides us with an opportunity to unite as a nation and extend our collective gratitude to these individuals who sign up to put themselves in harm’s way for the sake of others.

As John Adams once declared, this day would be celebrated by future generations as the “great anniversary festival” with “pomp and parade…games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other.” As we enjoy and celebrate our nation’s independence, let us honor the generations of service of those with valor, and may their legacy continue to inspire those for generations to come. Happy Fourth of July and God Bless America!