President Barack Obama Speech
July 4th, 2009

Friend --

This weekend, our family will join millions of others
in celebrating America. We will enjoy the glow of
fireworks, the taste of barbeque, and the company of
good friends. As we all celebrate this weekend, let's
also remember the remarkable story that led to this day.
Two hundred and thirty-three years ago, our nation was
born when a courageous group of patriots pledged their
lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the proposition
that all of us were created equal.
Our country began as a unique experiment in liberty --
a bold, evolving quest to achieve a more perfect union.
And in every generation, another courageous group of
patriots has taken us one step closer to fully realizing
the dream our founders enshrined on that great day.
Today, all Americans have a hard-fought birthright to a
freedom which enables each of us, no matter our views or
background, to help set our nation's course. America's
greatness has always depended on her citizens embracing
that freedom -- and fulfilling the duty that comes with
it.
As free people, we must each take the challenges and
opportunities that face this nation as our own. As long
as some Americans still must struggle, none of us can be
fully content. And as America comes ever closer to
achieving the perfect Union our founders dreamed, that
triumph -- that pride -- belongs to all of us.
So today is a day to reflect on our independence, and
the sacrifice of our troops standing in harm's way to
preserve and protect it. It is a day to celebrate all
that America is. And today is a time to aspire toward
all we can still become.
With very best wishes,
President Barack Obama
July 4th, 2009

P.S. -- Our nation's birthday is also an ideal time
to consider serving in your local community. You can
find many great ideas for service opportunities near
you at http://www.serve.gov.