Celebration of Liberty

Archived scripts are from past radio programs (unabridged)

 2009 Program
“The Constitution…its only keepers…the people”—George Washington

The opening words of the Constitution, “We, the people” lay the foundation of one of the most important principles of freedom. It was a basic principle of the American experiment that the Government was to be a governed by the people, and for the people. When the people make their voices heard, those who govern are elected to listen. Patrick Henry said, “The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government….” The Constitution was masterfully crafted to divide and balance government power, thus to protect the people from tyranny.

Dame Batherick was a brave woman who defended her right to be free. One day she went to work in the field. She took her musket with her. While working she began to hear the sounds of war in the distance. Suddenly British redcoats broke through the brush. She grabbed her musket, her eyes flashed with fire as she cried, “Halt! As ye value life, advance ye not another step! Ye are my prisoners, sirs! March on!” She drove them quickly as she had driven swine across the fields, and they, King George’s own, without a word obeyed.” Dame Batherick was another one of those who gave us this home of the brave, this land of the free.

In the bitter winter of 1775, Boston was in British hands. Continental soldiers wore rags on their bleeding feet and burlap sacks for coats. Washington desperately needed supplies. There were cannons that were left behind at a desolate British Fort. 300-pound Henry Knox, a quiet librarian and storekeeper, was sent to bring them back. Knox rousted as many patriotic farmers as he could to help. When he got the heavy cannon on barges they sank to the bottom of Lake Champlain. Unwilling to give up, Knox got them hauled out of the icy water and put them on sleds, which the oxen and horses struggled to pull through the snow and ice. Some of the animals died. Finally, this gentle giant fastened a harness to himself and helped pull some of the teams over the summits.  Two months later, the weary convoy struggled into Boston. Washington and his men took courage. They mounted the cannons during the night around the city.  When the British saw they were surrounded, they began at once to load 170 boat and retreat. They left a surplus of supplies and cannons that helped turn the tide of the war. The brave Henry Knox was a national treasure that made this land the home of the free.

What was it that gave Washington’s troops the ability to win against such heavy odds? They were not fighting for power and control, but for their families, their country, and their freedom. A British Commander, General William Howe and his brother Admiral Richard Howe resigned their commissions in May 1778. Howe said to his commanding officers, “We cannot defeat this army. The Americans cannot be defeated. I have bested them five consecutive times on the battlefield, but they keep coming back for more. They have a will or zeal that I wish were in the possession of my troops.”

Ronald Reagan reminded us, “Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for protected, and handed down for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was like in the United States when men were free.” Our children are growing up in a time of war—a war of words, idea, and opinions. A war that will determine the type of government they will inherit. In a land of freedom children must be taught to be brave and stand for principle. Like the founding fathers and mothers of this land, “We, the people” must stand firm and united and uphold and defend the Constitution. Surely, this must first be “the home of the brave” before it can be again “the land of the free.”

2008 Program

"A Republic, if you can keep it"--Benjamin Franklin

John Adams requested that Independence Day be “celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.” He said, “It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” Because you are American, YOU ARE AMERICA! Let your heart swell with gratitude for the sacrifices of those who made this day possible and always remember THIS IS AMERICA.

After the revolutionary war, the thrill of victory reverberated throughout the land. American’s were now free to worship according to their own conscience, to own property, and to print without censorship. Freed from oppressive governments, Americans began to relax and let their creativity flow. “They created an expansive new cultural climate that gave eagle’s wings to the human spirit. They encouraged exploration and technology to reveal the secrets of the universe. They built a free enterprise culture to promote millions of jobs and unprecedented prosperity. They invented, for the world as well as themselves….” Their innovations included such things as the telephone, the steamboat, the airplane, baseball, apple pie, and what may be considered one of the most useful inventions of all time, the television…invented by Philo T. Farnsworth who was from the community of Rigby Idaho. We are citizens of a great nation. This land of liberty is your land, it is my land and is a place where our thoughts and idea can flourish into reality.

We’ve heard the phrase, “Freedom isn’t free,” but what does that mean? It is a universal and self-evident truth that all men and women are gifted with a free-will that cannot be taken away no matter how oppressive a government may be. Thomas Jefferson stated this principle in the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” All people yearn for freedom, but a price must be paid. What price is required? Patrick Henry gave us a stirring answer: “If we wish to be free… we must fight! …Shall we gather strength by …inaction? …There is no retreat, but in submission and slavery! Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace -- but there is no peace! …Why stand we here idle? …Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?  Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!” (pause). Patrick Henry’s voice was a call to arms—it was a call to action. We are grateful for the bounties we enjoy because of those American’s who have faced ridicule and even death for our freedom. The principles they defended are the principles we uphold and defend today. For all faithful and loyal men and women who echo the words of Patrick Henry and protect the freedoms we enjoy, we sincerely thank you. God bless you, and God bless America.

Not only those who would reside in the United States benefit from the Declaration of Independence. It has become a standard for many other nations. Abraham Lincoln stated, “The Declaration of Independence …gave liberty not alone to the people of this country, but hope to all the world for future time. It was [because of that declaration],” said Lincoln, “that in due time the weights would be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance. This,” he stated, “is the sentiment embodied in the Declaration of Independence. All should have an equal chance.” A chance at what? A chance to enjoy their unalienable rights, the rights to choose their way of life and to be self-reliant, own property, and pursue happiness. America is where dreams are realized.

Freedom is not maintained by fighting alone with military might. It is also maintained with the mind and the power of reason. Patriotism requires an educated people; but educated about what? George Washington stated, “A primary object…should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species [or kind] of knowledge can be equally important [as knowledge about government]? And what duty more pressing… than …communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?” The founders warned us that their formula for freedom could be lost in a single generation. Our children are growing up in a time of war—a war of words, idea, and opinions. A war that will determine the type of government they will inherit. No matter the varying ideas or opinions, every heart beats with a desire to be free—a desire to be part of a culture that inspires liberty and allows the human spirit to soar. Times may be tough, the economy may shake, hearts may quiver, but as we follow the examples of our founders and rely on the Providence that guided them through the rough billows of war, we too may leave a legacy of hope for our children and our children’s children. Let this Celebration of Liberty unite us in a common cause of freedom.

2007 Radio Program:

"A Republic...if you can keep it"--Benjamin Franklin

The history of the United States is filled with tradition and tears, struggle and triumph. We, as a people join on this day to celebrate our liberty. On this, the 231st birthday of our great nation, let us imagine our Founding Fathers extending an invitation to us to join hands and pledge with undaunted determination our allegiance to the goodness of what our nation was built upon and what it can continue to be if we, as Americans, are united in truth and liberty.

Tonight, we unite in a celebration of freedom. May our collective conscience be sparked as we remember this night and always where we live and what we stand for. We stand together for the protection of liberty, the protection of life, and happiness. Walk with dignity, act with loyalty. And never forget—This is America!

Before 1776, the United States of America didn’t exist. Instead there were thirteen American Colonies ruled by Great Britain who wanted to conquer and control the world at that time. When the British government taxed the people in America so heavily, the colonists became angry and started to rebel. British soldiers were sent to enforce the tax law and were specifically ordered to arrest John Adams and John Hancock. Their loyal friend, Paul Revere, silently crossed the waters where the British were patrolling, and then rode his horse though the night to warn these great men. Although he knew his life could be taken, the thought never stopped his determination from spreading the word to all patriots that the British were coming—the British were coming. The battle sound of freedom was spread throughout the land and those who were willing to make the greatest sacrifice of all—their very lives—rushed to the standard of liberty. Freedom loving farmers and settlers picked up their arms and battled against the great British dictator! Lives were lost, but freedom was won.

The Spirit of God moved upon men to found a nation wherein freedom of worship and freedom of expression and freedom of agency were protected. After years of oppression, our founders knew what it was like to be controlled by a dictator. To be sure that didn’t happen to their posterity, our founding fathers made sure that “We The People” would determine the type of government that would protect Americans against tyranny. In 1787, fifty-five delegates from thirteen American colonies met at Independence Hall in Philadelphia and framed the Constitution. They knew that the God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness burn deep in every American’s bosom. As Americans we must let this burning move us to action and to continue to protect our rights and our Constitution. Ordinary individuals with an extraordinary love for freedom have been and are willing to rush to the standard of liberty, our constitution, with a pledge to continue to protect our rights and liberty. It takes courage to have to say “good bye” not knowing as you go to war, if you will live or die. For those men and women who have been and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and protect our constitution and our unalienable rights, we honor you, and sincerely thank you.

Because of those valiant fighters for freedom we have a free nation where people of all stripes, colors, and types are free. But our responsibility has not ended. At a frightful time in America’s history Abraham Lincoln stood in a cemetery filled with valiant soldiers and said, “…In a larger sense, we can not dedicate … this ground. …It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us— that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain— that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom— and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

After the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was approached by a group of citizens asking what sort of government the delegates had created. His answer was “A republic, if you can keep it.” The question we must ask today: Have we kept it? Can we keep it? Today, there are those who would make our Republic a thing of the past. Today, judges are required to raise their right hand to the square and pledge to protect our country from both domestic and foreign threats—threats to take this republic away. The light of freedom rings truth, the rights of freedom burns deep, the desires for freedom must continue to strive within each of us. We should be grateful for our Constitution and the Bill of Rights which protects our liberty and provides the opportunity to achieve our goals and walk with dignity. We are grateful to live in America, the land that we love…Our own USA. Because we all have much to be grateful for in this land, we should join together and raise our voices in this solemn prayer…God Bless America.

We hold the destiny of the United States in our hands. Freedom is not free. It is a continuous struggle to keep. We can make a difference. Even though there are over six billion people in the world today, each single person is important and can make a difference in solving the problems we currently face. Through our examples, we can each become a light to the rest of the world. Because you are American, YOU ARE AMERICA! Lift up your light right now high above your head. “If we combine our lights together into one enormous ray…We can turn the darkest night into day!” WE CAN BE A LIGHT! 

2006 Program

"Freedom Burns Deep"

Freedom burns deep in the hearts of America's founding generation. Rather than bend under the tyrannical rule of Great Britain, men, women, and even children took up the cause of liberty. Thomas Jefferson penned the immortal words of the Declaration of Independence in 1776,

"We, the representatives of the United States of America, appealing to the supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name and by authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states." Under British law, signing this declaration was considered high treason, punishable by a torturous death. Nevertheless, our founders moved forward in the pursuit of freedom with this pledge,

"For the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." Bells rang out and citizens celebrated through the night upon hearing the joyful announcement.

But the battle for Independence had just begun. American soldiers suffered extreme deprivation in teh winter at Valley Forge in 1778. General George Washington struggled against all odds to keep his army together. "Although many seem to have little feeling for the naked and distressed soldier, I feel superabundantly for them, and from my soul pity those miseries which it is neither in my power to relive or prevent." One soldier's jounal from this experience reads, "I procured a small piece of raw cowhide and made myself a pair of moccasins. The only alternative I had was to go barefoot upon the rough, frozen ground.

Patrick Henry spoke to inspire courage when some men wavered, "The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is the the vigilant, the active, the brave.... Is life so dear, or peace so sweat, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

Many gave all for a freedom never to be personally enjoyed. Nathan Hale, a young man of twenty-one was captured on Long Island. He held important intelligence notes concerning British movement. The British general ordered him hanged, not allowing a formal hearing or trial. When Nathan asked for the benefit of a minister it was refused. Then he asked for a Bible and that was also refused. Nathan was lead to the gallows and a noose tightened around his neck. His last words? "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country!... If I had ten thousand lives, I would lay them all down, if called to it, in defense of my injured bleeding country."

Abraham and Sarah Clark suffered perhaps the cruelest punishment of all. The British captured two of their sons who were serving under Washington, and threw them into a prison ship in the harbor. The British then informed Abraham Clark that his sons would not be given food until he publicly recanted his signature on the Declaration of Independence. He gladly offered his life, his freedom and all his possessions, but they were not accepted. The British demanded that he recant or his sons would slowly starve. Abraham and Sarah determined that they could give up their life. They could give up their fortune. But they simply could not give away their sacred honor, even to save the lives of their dear sons. They never signed the recantation. 

In 1787 a Constitutional Convention was held. As tension and tempers grew it appeared the entire assembly would disintegrate in failure. Finally, eighty-one year old Benjamin Franklin stood and said, "I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proffs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, it is probably that an empore can rise without His aid?

The United States of America stand as the shining symbol of a nation created by a people who loved liberty more than life itself. Let us ask ourselves today, is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Or will we stand bravely with the voices of [Patrick Henry and] our founders and proclaim with unflinching courage, I know no what course others may take, but as for me...give me liberty or give me death."

These are the times that try men's souls. We hold thee truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unlalianable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Independence now and independence forever. Teh battle sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Freedom is not free. God Bless America!