Thomas Daschle: “Independence Day marks a time for Americans to celebrate our country's creation through an epic struggle for freedom and…”

“Independence Day marks a time for Americans to celebrate our country's creation through an epic struggle for freedom and liberty. Families come together to commemorate the qualities displayed by the early patriots: a commitment to democratic expression, a yearning to be free from tyranny, and a sober willingness to sacrifice life itself on behalf of these aims. This Fourth of July, thousands of men and women in our military will be in Iraq, dedicating themselves to the reconstruction of this country that has lived so long in the shackles of Saddam Hussein's reign of terror. Our objective is much the same as in 1776: creating conditions in which the people are protected from oppression and in which free expression and democratic government can flourish. We know this is not an easy task--indeed, our forces continue to suffer casualties but its success or failure will be very important, not only to Iraq, but also to the future of this country and the entire Middle East. I am so proud of the service members who have stepped forward, making tremendous sacrifices, to fight for the liberty of a foreign people in a foreign land.”