Former Vice President Mike Pence has issued a call for Americans to renew their commitment to the founding ideals of the United States as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th Independence Day. In a reflection on the country's heritage, Pence emphasized the importance of faith in God and confidence in the American experiment, arguing that these principles are essential for preserving liberty for future generations.
Pence recalled the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, describing them as merchants, farmers, lawyers, and physicians who pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the cause of freedom. He noted that they could not know whether their effort would succeed, but they were certain that liberty was worth any sacrifice. The former vice president said that as Americans celebrate this milestone, they must also commit to renewing the ideals that gave birth to the Republic and have sustained it ever since.
The American Revolution was unlike any other in history, Pence argued, because it proclaimed that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights. He stressed that these rights do not come from any government or official but from God, and that government exists only to secure those blessings for every generation. This truth, he said, is the beating heart of the American experiment and explains why the Constitution has endured longer than almost any other in history.
Pence acknowledged that Americans today disagree about many things, from policy to politics to the direction of the country. He described such debates as healthy in a free republic but urged citizens to remember that before they are Republicans or Democrats, conservatives or liberals, they are first and foremost Americans. He called on the nation to honor the inheritance of free institutions, constitutional government, and unmatched opportunities that were purchased by the courage and sacrifice of previous generations.
Citing a Gallup poll that found only 33% of Americans were extremely proud to be an American, down from 70% in the early 2000s, Pence expressed concern that the nation is on the verge of failing its historic test. He urged Americans to teach their children why liberty is precious, why faith and freedom have long walked hand in hand, why character still matters, and why self-government demands citizens willing to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution no matter the cost.
The former vice president argued that the Founders did not believe America was perfect but gave the nation a framework to pursue a more perfect union. Their confidence, he said, rested not in the government they created but in Providence and in the character of a free people determined to govern themselves. Pence said he still shares that confidence, noting that once you get 15 minutes outside of Washington, D.C., the American people actually get along pretty well.
Pence reflected on his lifetime of watching Americans confront wars abroad, terrorism at home, economic crises, political violence, natural disasters, and bitter political divisions. Each time, he said, the American people have proven that they are the most resilient, generous, faithful, and patriotic people the world has ever known. With faith in the American people and faith in God, he said, America's future is bright.
The former vice president concluded by invoking President Abraham Lincoln's description of America as the last best hope of Earth. He urged Americans to resolve that when future generations gather to celebrate the nation's next milestone, they will inherit one nation under God, strong, prosperous, and free. Pence's message comes as the nation marks its 250th birthday, a time he said should be used to celebrate all that has been given and to remember those who pledged their lives for a freedom they would never fully enjoy.
