To mark the Fourth of July and the 248th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Gov. Kay Ivey recently delivered a message for Alabamians, commemorating the history of America and the sacrifices made by its forefathers.

In her message, Ivey drew on the history of the United States, quoting from the founding fathers and remembering those who died from the Revolutionary War onward.

“248 years ago, our founding fathers declared our independence from British rule, laying the foundation for a nation built upon the American Dream,” Ivey said. “As we gather with our family and friends to enjoy our Fourth of July festivities, let us remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us. From the brave soldiers of the Revolutionary War to those who have defended our freedoms in conflict around the world, we owe a profound debt of gratitude to the men and women who have ensured our ideals endure.

“Here in Alabama, we are deeply proud of our rich history, and our role in the American story. We honor our veterans, we support our military and we work to ensure that we are the most military-friendly state in the nation. But our responsibility to maintain our patriotic ideals goes beyond our unwavering support for the armed forces. It extends to how we educate our children and prepare them to be informed, engaged citizens, and that begins with us reminding our students how great our country is.”

Ivey concluded her message by emphasizing the importance of educating future generations about America’s history and the principles upon which the nation was founded.

“Thomas Jefferson said it best, ‘The cornerstone of democracy rests on the foundation of an educated electorate,’” Ivey continued. “Folks, the message here is simple: in order to preserve our democracy, providing our students with a proper education is key. We must teach our students about our nation’s history, the bravery of our Founding Fathers and those who fought for our freedom, and the principles that define us: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

“This is how we empower the next generation to uphold the torch of freedom and build a brighter future. We are the land of the free, the home of the brave and the greatest nation on this earth. Never forget that. God bless you, God bless Alabama and God bless these United States of America.”

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.

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