Independence was hard won…

May we never forget that. -

In 1904, theater legend George M. Cohan introduced a song in which a proud American proclaims himself "a Yankee Doodle Dandy" who was "born on the Fourth of July." The date suits the rhyme scheme perfectly, but we can be sure the famously patriotic Mr. Cohan (also president of the Catholic Actors Guild of America, by the way) had the spirit of Independence Day in his heart while writing. Singing about America's birthday is wonderful, but we must never forget the reason we celebrate – the gift of independence for which so many sacrificed their homes, their treasures, and even their lives. Understanding and appreciating that gift is key to our mission here at CatholicVote.  The freedom to govern ourselves according to principles grounded in justice, morality, and reverence for God is not to be taken lightly. We believe that acting according to our faith is essential to preserving the America envisioned by our founding fathers and won on the battlefields of the American Revolution – otherwise known as The War for Independence.   Which brings me to the words of another and – no offense to Mr. Cohan – more influential American Catholic: Bishop Fulton J. Sheen.   "The Creator has endowed men with rights and liberties; men got them from God! In other words, we are dependent on God, and that initial dependence is the foundation of our independence."   Also from Bishop Sheen:   "When we deny God as the foundation of our rights, we shall no longer have rights. The Declaration of Independence, I repeat, is a Declaration of Dependence."   It is in that spirit of reverence that all of us at CatholicVote wish you a happy and blessed Independence Day.   We join you and your families in thanksgiving to the Creator to Whom we owe so much!   Go forward bravely, Kelsey Reinhardt President, CatholicVote   P.S. Celebrate being Catholic in America with the Americana Collection merchandise available at the CatholicVote online store. Get 20% off Americana items July, 4, 5, and 6. The discount is automatically applied to these items at checkout! Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here. CATHOLICVOTE  |  PO Box 3310  |  Carmel, IN 46082  |  (317) 669-6127 Believe in what we're doing? Help us keep it going! Donate Here