What are your thoughts about independence and liberty?
July Fourth . . . the day United States citizens celebrate our independence from England. Years of taxation without representation. Oppression. And a yearning to live for God and to find new life.
And eventually, a battle for control. Who would control the thirteen colonies comprised of people who sailed across an ocean for independence, a new start, or adventure?
This post isn’t a deep dive into United States history. Rather, let’s ponder nine quotes by thinkers and statesmen throughout our (relatively speaking) short history as a nation. I’d love to hear your thoughts about independence and liberty, nationally and personally.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” ~Ronald Reagan (1911-2001) American President, Actor
9 Thoughts About Independence and Liberty—Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. #tellhisstorylinkup #independence #quoted Click To Tweet
“In the summer of 1776, our Founding Fathers sought to secure our independence and the liberties that remain the foundation of our nation today.” ~Doc Hastings
“The Declaration of Independence was always our vision of who we wanted to be, our ideal of freedom and justice, how we were going to be different, and what the American experiment was going to be about.” ~Marian Wright Edelman
“The Pilgrims came to America not to accumulate riches but to worship God, and the greatest wealth they left unborn generations was their heroic example of sacrifice that their souls might be free.” ~Harry Moyle Tippett
“Those who won our independence . . . valued liberty as an end and as a means. They believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty.” ~Louis D. Brandeis
“I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty and freedom. It is the history of our nation, and it’s marked by the blood of those who died defending it.” ~John Thune (Senator, 1961- )
“Without moral and intellectual independence, there is no anchor for national independence.” ~David Ben-Gurion
9 Thoughts About Independence and Liberty—Without moral and intellectual independence, there is no anchor for national independence. #tellhisstorylinkup #independence #quoted Click To Tweet
“The independence of the United States is not only more precious to ourselves but to the world than any single possession.” ~Henry Cabot Lodge
“Our founders got it right when they wrote in the Declaration of Independence that our rights come from nature and nature’s God, not from government.” ~Paul Ryan
That’s it for this week.
What about you? Share your thoughts about independence and liberty and what it means to you. What quote about liberty and independence stands out to you and why?
Next week, we’ll link up at Donna’s at Serenity and Suffering. Be sure to bookmark this so you can find it easily. 😊
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Some great quotes about our freedoms and the cost of keeping it.
Thank you, Kathy!
I’ve been reading Stacy Schiff’s biography on Benjamin Franklin – what a miracle America has been. Praying it never shakes loose of the hand of God on it!
Such a crucial thing to be praying, Maryleigh!
It’s always interesting to see how passionate my American friends are about their nation, freedom & independence. 🙂
We Australians have been maybe a little too layed back (casual) about our nation, freedom & independence that we enjoy in recent decades.
As our independence is contantly being challenged in today’s international political climate, I think it’s important to appreciate & guard our nations, our freedoms & our independence all under God.
Blessings, Jennifer
Jennifer, does Australia have an Independence Day? You’re right, many Americans are passionate about our Independence Day celebrations. 😁
No we don’t have an Independence Day Jeanne, we have ‘Australia Day’ each year in January.
Australia is a part of the Commonwealth as is Canada, King Charles is our King as he is theirs. 😊
So many bracing thoughts! Thank you for curating the collection!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Michele! I appreciate you!
I enjoyed reading these. I especially like Reagan’s quote too.
Thanks, Deb! Ronald Reagan’s quote is profound, isn’t it?
Great quotes. I’ve seen the quote by Ronald Reagan before. I tend to agree with Barbara above me, I think to many times than not freedom is taken for granted. Freedom doesn’t seem to have the same meaning to the younger people as it does those of us that are older. My disclaimer is that this certainly doesn’t apply to all younger people. I appreciate you sharing this insightful message and I’m pausing to reflect today.
Paula, it does seem like many young people don’t understand or value all that has gone before them to give them the freedoms they live in. My hope is that, as they grow and mature, they will seek to better understand our nation’s history and come to cherish the gifts our forefathers put in place for the generations that followed them.
Amen Jeanne 🙏🏻
❤️
Thank you for the party. I agree with all these quotes and I have always loved the Ronald Reagan one. The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays but it’s getting harder and as I feel we are slowly losing all the freedoms our forefathers fought so hard for.
Amy, it does seem like our nation is changing, in focus and in priority. And I agree with your sentiments.
Nice collection of quotes! I have the first quote from Reagan in my files, but I don’t think I’ve seen the rest. I don’t know if freedom is as highly valued as it once was–it seems to be taken for granted. We need to remember what it cost for us to have this freedom.
Thanks, Barbara. 🙂 I love the quote from Ronal Reagan as well. The other ones really made me think about what a gift freedom is.