Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services USA, has issued the following statement on the occasion of the Fourth of July celebration of American Independence:
«Independence Day is an occasion for picnics and parades, family fun and fireworks, but we must never forget that Freedom comes at a high price. The Nation’s birthday beckons our rededication to what makes us a great country while reminding us we are indeed ‘one nation under God.’
Two hundred and thirty-eight years ago representatives from the thirteen colonies came to the conclusion that the time had come to cut ties with Great Britain and set out on a new course. It was a bold decision, which continues to bear fruit in our times. None of the founding Fathers knew where their decision would lead, but they did recognize the importance of working together to build a new kind of nation—a nation founded on principles and centered around the essence of what it means to be human, created in the image of Almighty God with inalienable rights to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
Gratefully, we celebrate not only the cunning and courage of our founders, but also the selfless dedication and sacrifice of the many Americans serving our Nation in uniform, past and present. Our liberty lives through their sweat and blood. Preserving our way of life demands vigilance, valor, respect for conscience and victory over the forces of evil that would otherwise vanquish the values we hold dear. We must always recognize our debt to these brave men and women whose commitment and courage keep us free.»
