It was 232 years ago when John Hancock, serving as President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence.  On July 4^th, we’ll celebrate that momentous event.  We know well that Freedom isn’t Free.  Our forefathers had to fight a 6-year War for Independence to severe the colonial bonds.  Those years from Lexington to Yorktown were a huge challenge for the leaders of the 13 colonies struggling to become a nation.  The Continental Army experienced some successes like Fort Ticonderoga as well as many set backs and trying times such as the winter at Valley Forge.  There were periods of time when the leaders lacked the full support of the populace.  Yet they dared to dream and with determination pushed on with a single goal in mind: Independence.

We know full well that our nation has faced challenges to the liberty and freedoms that resulted from that War for Independence.  As Companions of this Order, we are proud to have either personally answered the call to defend this nation or we’re related to someone who did.  Captain Allen Clark spoke last month about a new challenge that may not receive the daily headline notices but nonetheless represents a serious challenge to these same freedoms.  Our new challenge is to ensure there is no “inside job” that undermines our country and the freedoms we stand for.  Continued diligence is the required response.

This summer we are sponsoring the youth of our community to Leadership Conferences to help prepare them to assume the mantle of leadership as they grow and become the active citizens of our great nation.  These future leaders need to understand our national foundations so they can build their lives on these ideals and continue to perpetuate them on the next generation.

And so, on this anniversary of the birth of our nation, I’ll close with words from our patron saint: "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!" –Patrick Henry

Daniel G. Foust
COL USAR (Ret.)
Commander 

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