Two hundred and fifty years ago, our Founding Fathers declared our independence from Great Britain. In the two-and-a-half centuries since, American pioneers conquered the frontier, fought for freedom across oceans and continents, split the atom, and put a man on the moon. Yet, our greatest achievement remains the same: establishing a government of the people, by the people, for the people.
As our nation marks this semiquincentennial, we have an opportunity to reflect on the principles that have guided America since its creation. The freedoms we enjoy today have never been a guarantee, but America’s 250th birthday allows us to renew our promise to secure the inalienable, God-given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We have an obligation to preserve these rights for ourselves and our future generations 250 years from now.
The Declaration of Independence begins with a profound truth: every person possesses inherent life and worth. That belief has shaped our nation throughout its history and still is a guiding principle. Whether supporting families, strengthening communities, or building up future generations, our policies should reflect the value and potential of every American.
Liberty remains a cornerstone of our nation, but has never been self-sustained. It must be fiercely defended. From the earliest days of our republic to the present, brave men and women have safeguarded those liberties with their lives. From George Washington’s Continental Army to the creation of the U.S. Space Force, every generation has had brave servicemembers answer the call to serve, not because it is easy, but because America is worth defending. I hope we can continue to honor the legacy of their courage and sacrifice. That means properly caring for our veterans and providing our active duty servicemembers with the tools they need to carry out their mission. It has been my honor to be a voice for our veterans in Congress to ensure they receive the respect and care they earned.
Economic liberty has been a necessity for the American dream. Far too many Americans — particularly young Americans — have been tempted toward socialism and communism, ideologies that are fundamentally incompatible with freedom. This stark reality is deeply personal for me, as I fought against communism in Vietnam. Economic liberty does not guarantee economic success, but communism and socialism pose a direct threat to liberty, subordinating individual rights and preferences to the power of a big, central government on false promises of equality. This is the antithesis of what our Founding Fathers would have hoped for.
While America may not be perfect, our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — and our nation as a whole — will always be worth protecting. I am working every day in Congress to defend these rights and our precious freedoms. The United States is the greatest country ever created in human history. The words of Indiana veteran and journalist Elmer Davis ring true: “This nation will remain the land of the free, only so long as it is the home of the brave.”
Rep. Jim Baird represents Indiana’s 4th District in Congress.
