While on July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies proclaimed their independence from Great Britain, the war to cement their independence had already been fought for a year and would continue for another seven years, claiming the lives of approximately 25,000 Patriots.
Sadly, the War of Independence would be just the first of a score of wars and major conflicts that would follow to maintain the independence, unity and security of the new nation at a cost of more than 1,300,000 patriot lives.
Today, 240 years after that first Independence Day, our patriots are still serving in every corner of the globe and still dying for us.
It is thus fitting, this Fourth of July, to remember and thank all those men and women who have made this celebration possible and who continue to “uphold the principles upon the nation was founded.”
There will be many “Fourth of July messages” expressing such thoughts.
I believe that Defense Secretary Ash Carter captures the essence of such gratitude in his message to the men and women of the Department of Defense:
To all of the men and women of the Department of Defense, it is an honor to join you in celebration of Independence Day. As you serve on every ship and every base, in every time zone and every domain, you uphold the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. For our nation and for so many others around the world, you protect and further the self-evident truths that we are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
These ideals are more than a pinnacle to strive for. They are the North Star that has guided every generation in the long line of patriots who have stepped forward to defend our nation since the day it was founded 240 years ago. And they are the principles that must continue to guide us every day.
As Americans celebrate this important day at home and around the world, my thoughts and my gratitude are with all of you and your families. To all of you, have a happy and safe Fourth of July. May God bless you, and may God bless the great nation we defend.
The images below are a reminder of the risks our men and women in the military continue to take and the hard work they do to allow us to continue to celebrate many more Independence Days.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Gary Allsbrook, left, and Senior Airman Michael Van Deusen patrol the flightline perimeter at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, June 27, 2016. Allsbrook and Deusen are assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, quick reaction force. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justyn M. Freeman
Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 5 and Carrier Air Wing 9 pass in formation above the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis in the Philippine Sea, June 19, 2016. Navy photo by Lt. Steve Smith
An AV-8B Harrier II assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit launches from the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer to conduct missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, June 16, 2016. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brett Anderson
Army Spc. Gerald Wilson yells a warning about incoming indirect fire to his team during the Ready Warrior Competition at Camp Madbull on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 23, 2016.
Paratroopers jump from a C-130 aircraft during Anakonda 2016 at the Piaskowi drop zone in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 6, 2016. The paratroopers are assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Exercise Anakonda 2016 involves more than 25,000 participants from more than 20 nations. Army photo by Pfc. Antonio Lewis
Army flight medics ascend on a hoist line with a simulated patient during medical evacuation training part of a joint exercise at Fort Bragg, N.C., June 23, 2016. The soldiers are assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. Army photo by Sgt. Anthony Hewitt
An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Sidewinders of Strike Fighter Squadron 86 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Mediterranean Sea, June 28, 2016. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Anderson W. Branch
All photos: DOD
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.