Senator John Cornyn

July 4, 2012

This Independence Day join me in celebrating the birth of the American dream. Two hundred thirty-six years ago, our forefathers pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to each other in defense of liberty from tyranny.

As we reflect on their monumental accomplishments, let us also take a moment to honor the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to protect our great Republic. America's freedom has not come without cost, and it is not guaranteed to our children and grandchildren unless we continue to instill in them the values of our founding fathers.

Speaking to the Virginia Convention in 1775, Patrick Henry noted,

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.

Every American has a duty to remain vigilant in defense of liberty. As we celebrate our independence today, I hope you will join me in renewing your commitment to preserving the ideals our nation was founded on: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

God bless you, God bless your family, and may God continue to bless Texas and the United States of America.