Crowell offers views on Independence Day

In his latest Capitol Connection, Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, offers these thoughts about Independence Day:

Our forefathers gave more than time and hard work to the cause of independence. Most of these men sacrificed everything they had, including their lives. The British charged some with treason, others fought and died in the Revolutionary War, and many witnessed their homes and livelihood taken from them and destroyed. Yet all stood proud and with determination pledged their devotion: “I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth all the means. This is our day of deliverance,” said John Adams.
We, as Americans should never forget why we have our freedoms and how they were won. Today, there are still those who are willing to give everything for their country. These brave service men and women remind us that the liberties we often take for granted are valuable and worth fighting for. We are not perfect, but we enjoy more freedoms than any other nation on the planet and our promise is perfect. The Fourth of July is just one day a year when we as a nation can stop and reflect on the free and independent life we all have and the struggles of those before us, among us, and in the future. This Fourth of July, I hope you will join me in reflecting, remembering, and thanking those American soldiers who are defending the freedom we celebrate. Only two have ever offered to lay down their life for you, one is Jesus Christ — the other is the American soldier.