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June 26, 2005
THE MANCHIN REPORT: Pause and Remember the Meaning of Independence Day
![[Image: gov-joe-manchin.jpg (5256 bytes)]](images/gov-joe-manchin.jpg)
The Hon. Joe Manchin, Gov.
by Joe Manchin
Governor of West Virginia
Charleston (HNN) – As we join together with family and friends to enjoy
the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend, take a moment to reflect upon
the true meaning of what we will be celebrating. Independence Day is a time
to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of
Independence.
Nearly 229 years ago our Founders declared “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.” It is these truths that light the pathway
leading our great nation into the future. These liberties guide us as we
take on our challenges and seize new opportunities. Equality, freedom and
progression: we cherish these values, and must reaffirm them daily.
Next weekend, we will pay tribute to those who, with courage and bravery,
gave their lives and fortunes for our freedom. As we honor those who came
before us, let us not forget to honor those who today risk their lives to
defend our nation.
As one of the most patriotic states in the nation, West Virginia
historically has sent a large percentage of its men and women into battle in
defense of our grand democracy. The names of more than 10,000 West
Virginians who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our nation are
etched in the black granite walls of the West Virginia Veterans Memorial in
Charleston. Just in the past few days, we were saddened to lose two more
brave soldiers from the Mountain State in the line of duty, defending the
very same principles that our founders stood for
so many years ago.
It is because of these individuals and their sacrifices, and the sacrifices
of those who came before them, that we are able to enjoy the many freedoms
that we as a nation hold dear.
I encourage you and your family to participate in Independence Day
festivities, whether being a spectator at a parade, attending a church
service or sharing in a picnic with your family. Independence Day is a time
for all Americans to reconnect with our nation’s history and core values by
honoring those who have come before us – “the individuals who sacrificed to
protect the principles we
hold dear –“freedom, security and prosperity for all.
David M. Kinchen is the Editor of HuntingtonNews.Net, responses, press releases, and article submissions can be made to .
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