Our liberties are under attack

Editors note: This speech was given by Charles Cooper during the Memorial Day Service for Liberty and then submitted as a letter to the editor.

Today we come to remember not only all those who sacrificed much for the cause of liberty. On July 4, 1776, a dream was visualized in the Declaration of Independence that the United States would give all its people the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

This new nation grew up with many growing pains. This new republic, though flawed, had a vision different from most nations. It was the belief all people were created equal. It is true in the early years of the republic many souls were not included in the freedoms of liberty, or the pursuit of happiness. Over the years as our republic grew up, more and more were included in this pursuit. It is true our republic is not finished in that pursuit.

Fortunately, the Constitution framed the mechanism to enable this young republic to invite more and more people to experience the founder’s vision. The Amendments helped fashion what it meant to speak freely, to worship or not worship God according to one’s own faith, the right to protect one’s self, even from a corrupt government, and many more freedoms.

Today, we come to thank the many people who both lived and died to support and protect liberty. It’s tempting to say liberty has been smothered with the heavy hand of the government. Many are seduced with the promise government will take care of us from womb to tomb. Too many of us have been willing to sacrifice our liberties at the alter of ease trusting government always has our best in mind.

We realize our Republic has never been perfect or ever will achieve perfection. We come today praying God will help us continue the call to mend every flaw. We must not allow promise of the powerful to seduce us into giving up our cherished freedoms. Liberty is too important. Patrick Henry said “Give me liberty or give me death”. Liberty is too important to live without it.

St. Paul talked about the necessity of liberty from a faith bases, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ made us free and do not be entangled again with a bond of bandage.” Galatians 5:1. Bandage or slavery comes in many forms. We should not tolerate any of them.

A statute of liberty stands in the New York harbor to beckon all to believe in the liberty, not only for our republic as a beckon of hope for people in all nations.

The dream of a free republic with liberty for all may at times seem to have died under the pressure of evil forces. Today, we have a choice. We can surrender to these forces, or we look for the help of God to help us overcome evil. Christians of faith know Christ holds our future. People of other faiths also know we are not alone in this struggle to keep our liberties.

Today, we come to thank previous generations for feeding, tending to liberty, living and dying for liberty. Remember what President John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, bust ask what you can do for your country”.

This statement should humble us, but we might ask the humbling questions, “Can I really make a difference?” Think of it this way. A drop of water may seem insignificant, but the waters of plants provide life for a thirsty Earth. Remember, with God’s help, each and every one of us are important to the survival of liberty. What we do may not feel significant, but each contribution is needed if we are to succeed.

Our liberties are under attack. Powerful forces are threatened by liberty. It is our task to protect liberty, to defend liberty, and to struggle against these evils and powerful forces.

Ask, “What am I doing and going to do to help keep liberty alive int he United States of America?”

Charles Cooper