Let freedom ring!

OPINION:

With the passage of 250 years since the signing of our Declaration of Independence, what does the word freedom mean to Americans today? I believe the word freedom rings today with the same meaning it had on July 4, 1776.

Our founders gathered in Philadelphia to proclaim, “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.”

The founders concisely laid out what they sought: the right of self-government, no taxes being imposed without the right of their consent, trial by jury, economic freedom and many more. These are the same freedoms that we cherish today.

These words were not lightly written. The signers knew the risks they were taking when they concluded the Declaration with the pledge to each other of “our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” During the American Revolution, some signers were imprisoned, others lost their property, and others their health.

When the founders once again assembled in Philadelphia in 1787, they toiled to produce the greatest document of self-government ever known in world history: the United States Constitution. What is important about our Constitution is that it was not the government taking power from the people, but it was people enumerating what powers the federal government would have. In a short period of time thereafter, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution were ratified: our Bill of Rights. And again, the Tenth Amendment states that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or to the people.

From the American Revolution to the present day, every generation of Americans has been called upon to defend the freedoms and liberties won through sacrifice. Our nation’s war memorials powerfully illustrate the cost of that responsibility. Anyone who visits the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans Memorials especially during an Honor Flight, when veterans from across the country come to Washington cannot help but gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who served.

Many veterans will tell you that serving in the armed forces was one of the greatest privileges of their lives. They left behind their families, homes, schools, and careers to answer their nation’s call.

At the World War II Memorial, more than 4,000 gold stars represent the over 400,000 Americans who gave their lives in that war. The Korean War and Vietnam Veterans Memorials bear the names of those who did not return home, ensuring their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Across the Potomac River at Arlington National Cemetery, the long rows of white headstones stretching across the hillsides offer another powerful reminder of the tremendous price paid to preserve our freedom. Together, these memorials and cemetery stand as enduring tributes to the courage, sacrifice and selflessness of generations of Americans.

The cost of freedom has never been free. It has been paid for in the blood of Americans who have paid the ultimate price and those who have borne the horrible scars of battle.

As Americans, we enjoy freedoms that so many around the world can only dream. Some of these freedoms include religion, speech, press, assembly, petition, right to keep and bear arms, no unreasonable searches and seizures, probable cause, no self-incrimination, speedy and public trials, and no excessive bail. Today it is interesting to read the stories of foreigners visiting the United States during the World Cup. They see a nation of plenty. Wide open spaces and stores teeming with merchandise. Americans have been given the freedom to take chances to succeed. America does not guarantee success, but it will give you the chance. America gives you the ability to dream big.

It was recorded at the end of the 1787 Constitution Convention when Mrs. Powel asked Benjamin Franklin, “What have we got a republic or a monarchy,” to which Franklin replied, “A republic if you can keep it.” All agree that he was not just talking to Mrs. Powel but to every generation of Americans who must pass the torch of freedom on to the next generation.

• Rep. Bob Latta, Ohio Republican, is chairman of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Energy, Deputy Whip, and co-chairman of the Rural Broadband Caucus and the Congressional Propane Caucus. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Bowling Green State University and his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Toledo College of Law. He and his wife, Marcia, live in Bowling Green, and they have two daughters and a son-in-law.