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WASHINGTON, July 2, 2003 – By signing the Declaration of Independence 227 years ago, our Founding Fathers embarked on a bold experiment in democracy, and committed our Nation to principles of freedom. These principles define who we are as Americans, and have withstood many challenges in the years since.
On the eve of World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt shared his vision for the world: "Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere. Our support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights or keep them. Our strength is in our unity of purpose. To that high concept there can be no end save victory." In celebrating our freedom, we are reminded that it comes with a price. Today, brave and selfless Americans continue to serve, and at times give their lives for the cause of freedom, far from the hometown parades and fireworks that mark this special day. We continue to fight the terrorists who would replace freedom with fear, and we are resolved that the outcome will be victory. The Joint Chiefs of Staff and I thank you for your dedicated service. You can take great pride in all you do to protect the principles of freedom upon which our great Nation was built. Gen. Richard B. Myers, USAF Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
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