As July 4th approaches, I reflect on our nation’s struggle for independence which we obtained so long ago, remembering the sacrifices made by so many whose hearts and souls cried out for freedom and give thanks for those who were willing to die for that precious right bestowed upon us by God.

After having recently retired after 20 years of military service, I also remember that we owe our freedom to so many of our brave men and women in the military who have served and sacrificed and who continue to do so today. July 4th, our nation’s Independence Day, however, is not for Americans to celebrate alone.

While there have been many apologies given for our country lately, I am extremely proud of our nation and the sacrifices we have made in the defense and pursuit of freedom around the world. Many nations will celebrate with us on July 4th, expressing a debt of gratitude for their own freedom for which so many brave American men and women have died.

As we prepare to celebrate, however, we continue to watch the post-election events in Iran, as the Iranian people fight for their own freedom from tyranny and oppression. We have watched the silencing of the media and the threats, beatings, imprisonments and even murder of Iranian citizens in the streets. We have heard how the Iranian government even charged the parents for the price of the bullets that were used to murder their children as they marched for freedom.

After a prolonged and measured silence, President Barack Obama has finally spoken out against the violence being perpetrated by the Iranian government. “I strongly condemn these unjust actions, and I join with the American people in mourning each and every innocent life that is lost,” Obama recently said. However, those words ring hollow in the ears of those who watch the events unfold in Iran.

Obama’s administration said earlier this month it would invite Iran to U.S. Embassy barbecues for the celebration of our national holiday. In the pursuit of stability rather than freedom, State Department spokesman Ian Kelly stated, “There’s no thought to rescinding the invitations to Iranian diplomats. We have made a strategic decision to engage on a number of fronts with Iran. We tried many years of isolation, and we’re pursuing a different path now.”

Although “nothing invokes the true spirit of the freedom, liberty and independence enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the founding of America like representatives of a murderous theocracy,” the invitations to Iranian diplomats to attend U.S. Embassy 4th of July barbecues while Iran perpetrates such violence against its own people should be revoked. The wrong message is being sent by not rescinding these invitations, and that message is, “Continue to beat, jail and murder in the streets your own people who are struggling for their own freedom. When you’re done, President Obama would like you to come on over for a BBQ.”

July 4th is a time for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to freedom and liberty, to celebrate not only our own independence but remember our partnership with all those around the world who enjoy freedom, who hunger for their own, and who are willing to sacrifice for it. This July 4th is a time to resend the message that, in the immortal words of President John F. Kennedy, “Let the word go forth from this time and place. . .to friend and foe alike ... that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans ... born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage ... and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today ... at home and around the world. Let every nation know ... whether it wishes us well or ill ... that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

— Todd “Easy” Garrick, Sumter

You must be logged in to comment.