Front Page

July 2, 2009

Two hundred and thirty-three years ago, brave Americans gathered in Philadelphia to assert that the right to self-determination was a universal freedom granted not by government, but by a much higher power. This was considered a radical idea—and thousands perished fighting to defend a fledgling nation founded on these principles.

Over the course of more than two centuries, ideologies determined to deny fundamental rights to their citizens have risen around the world. Each time, the task of preserving liberty has fallen to subsequent generations of Americans, and each has proudly carried that mantle—although it has not gotten any easier.

Thanks to their resolve, our nation—and the philosophy on which it was founded—has endured. This is what we celebrate each year on the Fourth of July.

I wish you and your family a safe and happy Independence Day celebration.

David Cole
Chairman