[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 122 (Thursday, July 2, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S4212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             FOURTH OF JULY

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, July 4 is a day to recognize our Nation's 
Declaration of Independence 244 years ago. On this day, we collectively 
pause to honor the values that make this Nation great.
  July 4 is also a day of shared reflection to see how well we have 
made more tangible the ideals of our founders ``to create a more 
perfect union.'' As we look across the landscape of our country today, 
these words ring with even greater resonance. Our Nation and our people 
face a call to action to continue the fight against racial injustice, 
an injustice that has limited the freedom of too many for too long.
  The collective ideals to which Thomas Jefferson gave voice in the 
Declaration's promise of ``Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of 
Happiness'' still echo through the American experience--from Alexander 
Hamilton's immigrant dream, birthed before our Nation, to the Rev. Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s July 4, 1965, sermon at Atlanta's Ebenezer 
Baptist Church. As Dr. King said, ``If we are going to make the America 
Dream a reality, we are challenged to work in an action program to get 
rid of the last vestiges of segregation and discrimination.''
  America has been and will be a leader in the world. The American 
people historically have cherished and spearheaded this role. 
Leadership at any level comes with responsibility, and, in this case, 
it means we must look to put our own house in order, where we must 
address domestic injustices.
  We must continue our tireless work to create a more perfect union. 
The struggle will not stop until all men, women, and children can live 
the American Dream as Dr. King envisioned. To do this, we must continue 
to assess the true meaning of liberty and freedom. As we begin to 
acknowledge fundamental elements of our Nation's history, we must 
recommit to ensuring freedom for all.
  Our country's strength lies in the diversity and equality of our 
people. Through this diversity and through this equality, today we may 
celebrate the unity described in the very declaration of our Nation's 
freedom and independence.
  On this historic day, we must also celebrate our country's capacity 
to change. We have overcome monumental challenges before. The majority 
of our Founders did not comprehend that Black Lives Matter. Today, we 
work to ensure actions that back up those important words.
  Still, as we reflect on the Nation's founding, we recall our past, 
honor that which is great, and effect the call we perpetually hear to 
make our Nation a more perfect union.

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