During the last two years, we’ve made vital strides modernizing the Navy Reserve to reply the nation’s name at a second’s discover in response to potential strategic opponents. Being warfighting prepared ensures protection of our nation so our households could proceed to benefit from the freedom, liberties, and lifestyle our forefathers envisioned once they adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Two-hundred and forty-six years in the past, the Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia, Pa., and set the nation on a trajectory towards freedom. The signers of the Declaration of Independence did so at nice peril to themselves, and their braveness is one thing we rejoice every July. On the similar time, we rejoice the numerous courageous residents who fought for an formidable, aspirational, radically new type of authorities within the American Revolution that adopted. As Benjamin Franklin famously mentioned, “We should all cling collectively, or assuredly, we’ll cling individually.”
Colonists celebrated the signing of the Declaration of Independence with bonfires, cannons and drum parades. Right this moment, we rejoice with an extended weekend, fireworks, barbeques, and possibly a day on the seashore. However, the spirit of the celebrations stays the identical – we’re recognizing our unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We’ve all witnessed how essential it’s to guard these liberties, significantly as we observe an aggressive adversary’s illegal invasion of an impartial nation.
Shipmates, as you benefit from the lengthy weekend and well-deserved day off with household and mates, please train warning and behave responsibly. Watch out round fireworks. Eat alcohol carefully and don’t drink and drive. Plan journey upfront, leaving your self loads of time to achieve your vacation spot. Have contingency and emergency plans in place. Look out for one another, particularly your shipmates who could also be away from their family members and never capable of rejoice the vacation with them.
And bear in mind our fellow People not capable of get pleasure from an extended weekend as they stand the watch world wide vigilantly defending our freedom. They embody what Thomas Jefferson penned shortly after the signing of the Declaration of Independence: “The worth of freedom is everlasting vigilance.”
Kim and I thank every of you on your service to our nation, as we do your households and the employers that assist you. I want you and your family members have a contented, secure, enjoyable, and patriotic Independence Day.
Vice Admiral John B. Mustin, USN
Chief of Navy Reserve
Commander, Navy Reserve Pressure
