Independence Day: freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.”

– Dwight D. Eisenhower

Two-hundred-forty-eight years ago, the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Second Continental Congress actually voted to approve a resolution of independence two days earlier, on July 2. It then took those two days to write the reason and messaging explaining to the 13 original colonies why they had voted for independence.

Since that signing and winning a hard-fought war against King George’s Army, the citizens of the United States have fought several wars against tyranny and dictators. A lot of good men and women died to preserve the freedoms that citizens of the United States continue to enjoy to this day.

The quote above shows how precious freedom meant to Eisenhower. He witnessed up close what tyranny looks like while leading the Allied war effort against Germany’s Adolf Hitler and the Empire of Japan.

The struggle continue today as others in the world are envious of our freedoms that democracy affords us. World leaders in Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, etc., continue to isolate their citizens from freedoms. Democracy threatens their power structures.

Even the chaos at the U.S.-Mexico border — a flash point for the left and the right — is a reminder that this country remains a beacon of opportunity so powerful that people around the world are willing to take enormous risks to move into what they understand to be a promised land. They still want a shot at the “American Dream.”

As we fire up the barbecue and watch fireworks on Thursday, remember what it takes to keep that “American Dream” alive. Don’t ever take our freedoms for granted.