This year we will celebrate the 245^th anniversary of our American independence. This day not only represents the creation of a new nation, but the creation of a new civilization, one founded on the principles of freedom, self-government, and equality.

On July 4th, 1986, President Ronald Reagan gave this speech at the climax of a celebration in New York City to honor the newly renovated Statue of Liberty.  This timeless message full of hope, still has the power to unite us in truth as Americans today.

“My fellow Americans, it falls to us to keep faith with them and all the great Americans of our past. Believe me, if there’s one impression I carry with me after the privilege of holding for 5 ½ years the office held by Adams and Jefferson and Lincoln, it is this: that the things that unite us — America’s past of which we’re so proud, our hopes and aspirations for the future of the world and this much-loved country — these things far outweigh what little divides us.

And so tonight we reaffirm that Jew and gentile, we are one nation under God; that black and white, we are one nation indivisible; that Republican and Democrat, we are all Americans. Tonight, with heart and hand, through whatever trial and travail, we pledge ourselves to each other and to the cause of human freedom, the cause that has given light to this land and hope to the world.”

Have a blessed and peaceful Independence Day Celebration!