[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17877]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY

  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to take a few moments to 
commemorate the 231st birthday of our Nation, on this coming Fourth of 
July.
  On the 4th of July, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the 
Declaration of Independence and our Nation was born. However, our 
forefathers would have to fight 7 more years and draft and ratify the 
Constitution before the principles laid down in the Declaration of 
Independence could truly begin to be realized.
  That was just the beginning of our Nation's story. It has taken the 
hard work and dedication of countless Americans to build the great and 
free Nation we know today. On this day we should pay tribute to the 
pioneers who struck out across the frontier to build new lives, the 
individuals who built the roads and bridges that connect the country, 
the teachers who have ensured our youth reached their full potential 
and all Americans who in their own way have contributed to this Nation.
  We cannot forget the brave Americans of our armed services who 
throughout our history have fought and died to preserve the freedom we 
all enjoy, nor those currently serving. On the Fourth of July we must 
also honor the sacrifice of these men and women.
  As New Mexicans gather with family and friends to barbecue and watch 
fireworks, I hope they will take a moment to remember the greatness of 
this Nation and pay tribute to all those who have made it so.

                          ____________________