Happy Fourth of July and 250th birthday to the United States of America!
Since the Founding, Americans have held readings of the Declaration every Fourth of July. Indeed, the ideals of human equality, government by consent, and individual responsibility and liberty—enshrined in that document—best embody the true spirit of Americanism. They render her the greatest nation in the world—a Republic that has outlasted any other, and an example of how democracy, when accompanied by a citizenry bound by an adherence to and reverence for certain self-evident truths, can and will endure. Articulating those principles—let alone establishing a government to codify them—was quite radical in 1776, and, in many senses, remains so today. But we must never forget, as President Lincoln reminded us, that this great and blessed experiment that is America cannot be sustained without a government that is truly of, by, and for the people. And therein lies our role: As dedicated citizens, we must not confine our patriotism to the Fourth of July, our civic engagement to the first Tuesday in November, our gratitude to Veterans Day, our prayers to Memorial Day. If we truly love this country, let us commit ourselves to active participation in the common weal. But, when this day comes along, let it be—per the wishes of John Adams—“solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.” And so it is. May God bless the United States of America and all the men and women who serve her.
We were proud to ring the @NYSE Opening Bell this morning alongside @SteveForbesCEO and other distinguished guests, on the 40th anniversary of President Reagan ringing the bell 🔔🚨
We are saddened by the passing of former Republican Senator Alan Simpson, a close friend of Ronald Reagan. As evident in these photos, Senator Simpson’s wit and sense of humor always lit up the room. A man of integrity and unwavering commitment to public service, he left a lasting impact throughout his career. His dedication to bipartisanship, steadfast principles, and humility will be fondly remembered.
"Ferguson’s Law states that any great power that spends more on debt service than on defense risks ceasing to be a great power." In case you missed it, my @WSJ Saturday Essay is here.
#OTD in 1848, John Q. Adams passed away. A public servant to the end, he was a #POTUS, Congressman, SOS, & argued before #SCOTUS. “No man,” a reverend said, served the #USA "longer, more faithfully, with higher motives & a purer patriotism...#History, I say, will do him justice.”
Sir Winston Churchill died 60 years ago, #onthisday in 1965.
The wartime prime minister is remembered with a statue just across from the Abbey in Parliament Square. Inside, he is honoured with this memorial stone, which was unveiled by HM Queen Elizabeth II in September 1965 - the 25th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Read more: https://t.co/AmWW9x5Roc
STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH ON PRESIDENT JAMES EARL CARTER, JR.
"Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family.
“James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.
"We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family.”
Syria's army command notified officers that President Bashar al-Assad's rule ended following a lightning rebel offensive, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters. Syrian rebels said Damascus was 'now free of Assad' https://t.co/yHQJb7hWxb
On the 150th anniversary of Churchill’s birth I thought I’d share a small exchange of poetry between Churchill and FDR
In Jan 1941, FDR wrote to Churchill with an extract from Longfellow’s poem “The Building of the Ship” saying “this verse applies to you people as it does to us”
Today marks the 150th anniversary of Sir Winston Churchill's birth. We celebrate his enduring legacy that encompasses far more than his political achievements, embracing his contributions to the arts, literature, and global peace. Happy 150th Birthday Sir Winston. #churchill
#OTD in #history 1620, the #Mayflower Compact was signed. Winds pushed the #Pilgrims from their intended destination, threatening mutiny once ashore. The Compact was thus "the first foundation of their government in this place,” the governor explained, to ensure order—& survival.