[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14080]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING THE FOURTH OF JULY

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, next week Friday will be Fourth of July, 
2008.
  In 1776, our forefathers forged our country's independence, marking 
the Fourth of July as our Nation's birthday. Today, 232 years later, we 
commemorate the democratic freedoms set forth by the signing of the 
Declaration of Independence. Historically, many before me have taken 
this moment to reflect upon and celebrate the accomplishments of years 
passed and the promise of years to come. And while there is much to 
reflect upon and celebrate, I would like to take this moment to 
recognize all Americans who, in their own way, work to preserve our 
liberties and promote democracy.
  Today, while we remember the day that 56 individuals gathered in 
Pennsylvania at Independence Hall--we are reminded of a critical moment 
in time when our forefathers shaped a new union, one that broke from 
the traditional. Our Nation was built on the fundamental principle: 
``That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their 
Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, 
Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.'' As our forefathers endured a 
life of struggle, but envisioned a life of freedom, we as a Nation must 
keep in mind the sacrifices that they and others made and the hardships 
that preserve them.
  As we honor individuals who contribute to upholding our civil 
liberties, we must also take this opportunity to appreciate them for 
the courage they have displayed to preserve our independence and our 
freedom. From our armed servicemembers who stand ready to defend our 
Nation, to 18-year-olds perpetuating our democracy by registering to 
vote, and to people of all backgrounds around the Nation reaffirming 
the principle of our union on a daily basis--to all, I pay tribute. 
Their individual contribution allows us to celebrate our independence 
every day.

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