Glenn Thompson: “Last week, my wife, Penny, and I honored those who make Independence Day possible by attending our son Logan's…”

“Last week, my wife, Penny, and I honored those who make Independence Day possible by attending our son Logan's reenlistment and promotion to Army sergeant first class at Fort Drum, New York. This occasion reminded me that our independence relies upon the vigilance of our citizens and those who have fought to defend our freedoms. Regarding Independence Day, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail: ``It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forevermore.'' Following the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked what sort of government the delegates had created. Without hesitation, he responded, ``A republic, if you can keep it.'' President Reagan aptly stated that freedom isn't something passed to our children in the bloodstream. Preserving our freedom is certainly a responsibility of this generation as any past. Madam Speaker, I commend those who continue to make these freedoms possible, and I look forward to a future where these freedoms will be defended for generations to come. ____________________”