Celebrating our 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.

With these thirty-five words, our Founders launched our grand experiment in democracy, an experiment that has defined the United States since its very beginnings. In the 233 years since the Declaration of Independence proclaimed our young nation's ideals of freedom and liberty, we have continued our journey toward their full realization. As we once again pause to celebrate Independence Day, these words remain as urgent and as visionary as they were when first written.

The Fourth of July is a time for family and friends to gather; a day for our neighbors to rest, reflect, and come together in a spirit of unity and celebration. It is a day that reminds us of the many gifts bestowed upon us as Americans, and of the price so many have paid for the blessing that is our freedom.

But July 4th also serves to remind us that our journey is a continuing one. Our work to create "a more perfect union" carries with it the understanding that perfection will never be fully realized, but must still be sought after. Only in that striving will we grow nearer to that ideal that all men and women are truly equal, that all Americans share the same inalienable rights, privileges, and opportunities, which the Constitution lays before us.

It's the journey that counts, not the destination - and only when we work together as a community do we make progress toward that ideal. I believe the Founders realized this, for Jefferson wrote in his closing line, "and 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."

That "mutual pledge" recognized that the fate of our young country was a collective one, which relied on the work and sacrifice of all our people. Today, it underscores the importance of working together to achieve our common goals.

We rise and fall together, as Americans. The progress and success of our nation provide the opportunities for so many to realize their American dreams. But only when we embrace the ideal of community and serve each other as we would serve ourselves do we reach our true potential as a nation and as a common people working to perfect our Union.

I hope that every Arkansan finds time this 4th of July to be with friends, family, and neighbors, and to celebrate our freedoms and the incredible gift it is to be an American.