CEO Loretta Graham: The Land That I Love!
Before becoming a country, the United States was a group of colonies owned by Great Britain. On July 4th, 1776, the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and announced their independence from Great Britain. The 4th of July is now an important holiday in the United States. 250 years later, we continue that tradition.
On July 4th we stand united, paying respect to the courageous patriots who valiantly fought and made immense sacrifices to free our beloved country. As we raise our flags, we must embrace the core principles of our independence movement: inclusivity, diversity, and unity. Numerous religions, cultures, and diverse backgrounds have united to form the strong nation that we are today.
My son, Frison, told me that he loves this country because he feels protected. It is so important for our children to know what it means to honor the men and women who fought so very hard for our freedom. 250 years ago, our fathers brought a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. We must never forget what they did. It is for us to dedicate ourselves to continue the fight that all people be created equal and that this nation, under God, has a new birth of freedom.
As responsible citizens, we pledge to take our nation forward, upholding the ideals of democracy, equality, justice, and unity in diversity, in honor of our freedom fighters. Let's rejoice in our nation’s independence today but let us also embrace our duty to America’s future. Together, we will propel our country onto the global stage, a beacon for the entire world to follow.
We must always hold onto the unifying spirit of 9/11 and know that when we are bound together by the cords of love for what is good and just in our world, we cannot be broken. Terrorist attacks cannot shake or touch the foundation of America, because in the ashes of tragedy, we find our deepest strength. We find a nation united, resilient, and unwavering in its commitment to freedom, justice, and community.
Girl Scouts truly knows what it means when we pledge to serve God and our country and to “help people at all times.” Founded in March of 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, the organization’s mission was to build character through community service; and in her honor, the one hundred and first Liberty ship was given the name S.S. Juliette Low and launched in Savannah, GA on May 12, 1944.
I cannot contemplate the great deeds of our men and women in uniform with less than admiration. They are patriots and heroes for the freedom they fought for. So let us unite today to honor their memory and show our love for this country. This country may not be perfect, but our fathers staked their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor on the cause of their country, and in their admiration for liberty, they lost sight of all other interests. They loved their country better than their own private interests.
On July 4th as we gather to pause and reflect, let us remember a day that is forever engrained into our collective consciousness that will never be forgotten. May God bless these United States of America!!!!
-- CEO Loretta Graham
