In a letter to Colorado Springs residents, Mayor Yemi Mobolade reflected on the meaning and spirit of Independence Day.
Below is the full text of the letter:
Dear residents of Colorado Springs,
These most famous words “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” from the Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776, still hold profound significance for us today on July 4, 2024.
As we navigate living in an increasingly politically divided nation, these unifying words serve as a cornerstone of our national identity and the values of which our nation was founded, reminding us of our shared heritage, and helps ensure we are hitting the mark of democracy. BULLSEYE!
In Colorado Springs, we have a unique connection to the spirit of independence. Our city was built on the pioneering spirit of those who dared to dream and explore, who sought freedom and opportunity amidst the beauty of Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain!
As a proud military city, we have a special responsibility to honor the sacrifices of our veterans and active-duty military personnel. As home to five military installations, several command headquarters, including 45,000 active-duty military members and 90,000 veterans, Independence Day is a time to remember the sacrifices that have been made to secure our freedom and the challenges that we still face as a nation.
As an immigrant who proudly became a U.S. citizen, I'm reminded of the extraordinary journey that brought me here and the profound significance this day holds for me. Independence Day is a celebration of the ideals that drew me to this country. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to vote, and the pursuit of happiness are not just abstract concepts, but lived experiences and cherished privileges. July 4th serves as a reminder of these freedoms, hard-won and deeply valued.
As fireworks light up the night skies, and family members and friends gather to consume approximately 150 million hot dogs, and as neighbors participate in parades, concerts, and their favorite sporting events, may we renew our commitment to the values that make our nation great.
This July 4th let us reflect on the true meaning of the Declaration of Independence. I pray it unites us and moves us past destructive partisan politics. Let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of red, white, and blue upon which this nation was founded. Let us remember that freedom is a precious gift, one that we must cherish and protect for generations to come. And may we honor the sacrifices of those who have served our country and work to create a more just and equitable society for all.
President Ronald Reagan, stated in his Address to the Nation on Independence Day on July 4, 1986, “Believe me, if there’s one impression I carry with me after the privilege of holding for 5-1/2 years, the office held by Adams and Jefferson and Lincoln, it is this: that the things that unite us—America’s past of which we’re so proud, our hopes and aspiration for the future of the world and this much-loved country—these things far outweigh what little divides us…with heart and hand, through whatever trial and travail, we pledge ourselves to each other and to the cause of human freedom, the cause that has given light to this land and hope to the world.”
From my family to yours, we wish you a safe, joyous, and united Independence Day! May the spirit of independence forever illuminate our path. Happy 4th of July!
Onward and upward,
Mayor Yemi Mobolade