Independence Day: the fabric of our nation Published July 1, 2009 By Commentary by Michael B. Donley Secretary of the Air Force Washington, D.C. -- Today is a day that deserves celebrating. And sure enough, as Americans, we know just how to do that; whether with parades, fireworks, even hot dogs or apple pie. Today we celebrate our nation's birthday, our Independence Day. We are a nation of enthusiasts - people with passion, opinions, dreams and hopes. In another country this could present a challenge, but here our strength is in our diversity, united under one belief that people should be free to speak their mind, to demonstrate, to live and explore opportunities. The Declaration of Independence, one of our nation's foundational documents, states in simple eloquence what our forefathers deemed our rights - our unalienable rights - that cannot be given or taken away "... among these (rights) are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." These rights are the cornerstone of our existence, and these words represent some of the most important aspects of the Declaration of Independence signed on July 4, 1776. This unanimous declaration of the thirteen original states set forth the causes which impelled them to cast off a foreign government and declare a new nation. The delegates who approved the Declaration mutually pledged their "lives, fortunes, and sacred honor" to be free from British rule. It took more than seven years until the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783, ending the War of the American Revolution. Independence Day is a time for celebration and reflection. On this day we should both: celebrate the vast freedoms we enjoy and the unmatched opportunities awaiting every American; and at the same time remember the reasons we are a free nation -- a nation that encourages free thought and allows each and every American the liberty of choice. In celebrating this gift we must pay tribute to those who came before. Freedom is fragile and its champions must be strong. Americans have nurtured their freedom for 233 years, allowing it to grow and flourish, tearing down the final barriers to universal suffrage (Note: right to vote) and civil rights. Nurturing our democracy and maintaining our independence takes courage. Our American forefathers realized that there was a stark difference between calling themselves free and actually being free. Unless they took a stand in support of freedom, their aspirations for independence would have remained only an unrealized dream. Their actions were in every sense of the word, "revolutionary." Their results are the basis for our patriotic themes we carry forth to this day. In his inaugural address President Obama stated, "Our founding fathers faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations." In tribute to our founders' success we gather again, year after year, to celebrate our national birthright. The 56 courageous men who signed the Declaration of independence changed not only the course of a fledgling country's destiny, but the destiny of the world. It is inconceivable to imagine a world without the United States of America. Had our forefathers failed, would men and women in our country and in others risk everything to be free? The decision to fight for liberty does not come without a price. Throughout the years, Americans have paid that price. From our earliest militias hearing the call of duty, to battlefields of our Civil War, and onward through two World Wars, Americans have shed blood for the ideals that our founders set in motion. From the battles of the Korean peninsula and the jungles of Vietnam, to the massive air campaigns fought in Operations Desert Storm, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, much has changed, but our commitment to the cause has remained the same. In the early years of our nation men and women armed themselves with muskets and canister shot to win a society free from tyranny. Today we use smart weapons, stealth aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, broadband satellite communications and many other tools to accomplish this same goal. This important mission, ever carried, by the men and women of our military, who daily exhibit the same drive, patriotism and sacrifice as their forefathers, sustain our ability to fight for and protect our great nation. In the Air Force, it is our people who make us strong. Without dedicated men and women -- many of them from this community -- we would not be the best trained, most efficient, and effective Air Force we are today. Our seventh Vice President John C. Calhoun once said, "It is harder to preserve than obtain liberty." To that end, the U.S. Air Force tirelessly trains, prepares, and executes its mission anywhere and anytime. As America's sword and shield, Airmen, along with Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, stand ready at all times to defend our nation. From those serving in active duty; to our citizen airmen within the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve; to our civil service employees and contractors; our total force airmen are truly one team, dedicated to accomplishing their mission. Over time, our enemies have changed and the battlefield has become more complex. Every day brings a new challenge to the 27,000 airmen deployed around the world constantly in harm's way. As a willing voluntary force, airmen have made the decision to serve our nation in the protection of our liberty. It is the love of this nation and its principles that inspires them to spend a year or more away from their families in forward-deployed locations, working 12-hour shifts. Missing birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and even the births of their children, they are there in the name of freedom. That first presence of the American military spirit, represented by a rag-tag bunch of patriots standing against overwhelming odds to defend (or protect) their freedoms and principles, set the precedent for our Airmen today to defend our freedom, liberty and the American dream. America's Air Force is "all in" supporting the global fight. We have young Airmen working alongside our sister services in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations worldwide. From Iraq to Afghanistan, the Korean Peninsula to the Horn of Africa, Airmen are fighting to eliminate threats and help fledgling democracies rise from the ashes; in air, space, and cyberspace. Worldwide, Air Mobility Command launches an aircraft approximately once every 90 seconds, transporting more than 2,000 tons of cargo and more than 6,000 passengers every day. Many of these missions include delivering vital food, water and medicine -- helping thousands of people in need. We are supporting the "enduring struggle against terrorism and extremism" and supporting other nations' needs by resupplying and moving troops to the battlefields, and moving cargo and humanitarian supplies to hurricane, flood, and earthquake victims worldwide. Our critical air mobility missions of air refueling, aeromedical evacuation and airlift have continued at a fast tempo, without interruption, since the first Gulf War. We are flying combat missions and providing close air support for our joint and coalition partners; we are flying air patrols over our nation's capitol; and we are providing silent but vigilant support through our space and cyberspace technologies. Our Airmen are on guard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to protect America's rights, liberty and way of life. Our Airmen are as much a fabric of our independence today as were the great generations who preceded them. Because of your support our Airmen are able to keep up the fight, to protect our way of life and keep our country safe. We can hoist the "stars and stripes" over the Capitol building, the White House, or [name of the nearest Air Force base] - flying our flag over the symbols of our great nation, and the world's best Air Force, on this day and every day. So as you enjoy today's festivities remember those Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who would love to enjoy it with you. Think of them today because they are surely thinking of you. Thank you.