For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 5, 2003
President's Radio Address
The Cabinet Room
Audio
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Every Fourth of July we take
special pride in the first generation of Americans, the men and women
who waged a desperate fight to overcome tyranny and live in freedom.
Centuries later, it is hard to imagine the Revolutionary War coming
out any other way. Yet victory was far from certain, and came at great
cost.
Six years passed from the fighting at Concord Bridge to the
victory at Yorktown, six years of struggle and hardship for American
patriots. By their courage and perseverance, the colonies became a
country. That land of 13 states and fewer than four million people
grew and prospered. And today, all who live in tyranny, and all who
yearn for freedom, place their hopes in the United States of America.
For more than two centuries, Americans have been called to serve
and sacrifice for the ideals of our founding. And the men and
women of our military have never failed us. They have left many
monuments along the way, an undivided union, a liberated Europe, the
rise of democracy in Asia, and the fall of an evil empire. Millions
across the world are free today because of the unselfish courage of
America's veterans.
The current generation of our military is meeting the threats of
a new era, and fighting new battles in the war on terror. People in
every branch of the service, and thousands of Guard and Reserve members
called to active duty, have carried out their missions with all the
skill and honor we expect of them. This nation is grateful to
our men and women in uniform.
On this Fourth of July weekend, we also remember the brave
Americans we've lost in Afghanistan and Iraq. We honor each one for
their courage and sacrifice. We think of the families who miss them so
much. And we are thankful that this nation produces such fine men and
women who are willing to defend us all.
At this hour, many are still serving, sacrificing, and facing
danger in distant places. Many military families are still separated.
Our people in uniform do not have easy duty, and much depends on
their success. Without America's active involvement in the world, the
ambitions of tyrants would go unopposed, and millions would live at
the mercy of terrorists. With America's active involvement in the
world, tyrants have learned to fear, and terrorists are on the run.
This nation is acting to defend our security, yet our mission in
the world is broader. The Declaration of Independence holds a promise
for all mankind. Because Americans believe that freedom is an
unalienable right, we value the freedom of every nation. Because
we are committed to the God-given worth of every life, we work for
human dignity in every land. We protect our friends and raise up
former enemies to be our friends. We bring food and disaster
relief to the nations of the world in times of crisis. And in
Africa, where I will go next week, the United States of America is
leading the effort to fight AIDS, and save millions of lives with
the healing power of medicine. Just as our enemies are going to know
the strong will of America, people across this Earth are seeing the
good and generous heart of America.
As citizens of this good nation, we can be proud of our heritage
and confident in our future. The ideals of July 4th, 1776, still
speak to all humanity, and the revolution declared that day goes
on. As we celebrate our independence in 2003, we still place our
trust in Divine Providence. We still pledge our lives and honor
to freedom's defense. And we will always believe that freedom is the
hope and the future of every land.
May God continue to bless the United States of America. Thank
you for listening.
END
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