U.S. Consul Robert Settje July 4th Message
[Written by U.S. Consul General to Bermuda, Robert Settje]
Whether at home in the United States or in foreign lands, Americans eagerly anticipate Independence Day every year. On this, the 237th anniversary of our declaration of independence, we look back with pride and excitement on those hopeful and daring times that gave birth to our great nation. We imagine what it must have been like for our brave forebears to stand up and fight – and later win – a revolution in the name of freedom and equality. With forethought and boldness, the writers of the Declaration proclaimed to the world: “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.” Americans everywhere proudly live by those words to this day.
Before his death on July 4, 1826 – coincidentally the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – Thomas Jefferson, its principal author and our third president, wrote, “May it be to the world, what I believe it will be … the signal of arousing men to burst the chains … and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form, which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man.” History shows that Jefferson’s wish was granted. The words of the Declaration and the spirit and ideals that gave them birth spread across the world. Nearly every movement asserting independence and individual rights since that time has drawn on the American Revolution for inspiration and content.
The struggle that began that day so long ago is not over. As another American president, Woodrow Wilson, said, “The American Revolution was a beginning, not a consummation.” Those who cherish liberty and human rights must never become complacent. Freedom and equality are precious gifts that must be nurtured and renewed every single day.
As we reflect on the meaning and continued relevance of Independence Day, my family and I are delighted to celebrate the occasion with our fellow citizens, friends, and neighbors in Bermuda. We wish all of you a happy “4th of July” and hope to see you at one of the many celebrations throughout the island.
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