Actual fireworks will punctuate this Fourth of July holiday. Political fireworks won’t be confined to the next few days.
But as we celebrate the 248th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s fitting to set aside contention and focus on the common ideals that gave birth to this still-young nation.
This collection of quotes from a variety of sources does that — starting with the document behind our celebration.
“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.” — Declaration of Independence, opening section
“For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” — Declaration of Independence, closing lines
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“Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt, president, 1933 to 1945
“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” — Arthur Ashe, former tennis pro
