[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 26 (Monday, July 4, 2005)]
[Page 1109]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message on the Observance of Independence Day, 2005

July 1, 2005

    Since July 4, 1776, Americans have experienced freedom's power to 
overcome tyranny, inspire hope in times of trial, and turn the creative 
gifts of men and women to the pursuits of peace. Across generations, our 
Nation has defended and advanced liberty.

    The words of our Founding Fathers first guided a country of 4 
million souls, yet they put large events in motion. When the Liberty 
Bell sounded at the first public reading of the Declaration of 
Independence, one who witnessed the birth of freedom in our country 
said, ``It rang as if it meant something.'' In our time it means 
something still. America continues to proclaim liberty throughout the 
world, and we remain a country full of hope and promise where 
opportunity thrives, where all stand equal before the law, and where our 
freedoms are celebrated.

    Americans live in freedom because of the enduring power of our 
ideals. In the midst of World War II, President Franklin Delano 
Roosevelt reminded our troops that our Nation believes in the ``right to 
liberty under God--for all peoples and races and groups and nations, 
everywhere in the world.'' Today, a new generation of Americans 
continues to defend our Nation and spread freedom. On this Fourth of 
July, we honor the brave men and women of our military, and their 
families, and we express our gratitude for their courage, dedication to 
duty, and love of country.

    Laura and I send our best wishes to all Americans on Independence 
Day. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.
                                                George W. Bush

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