America… You’re Still ‘The Beautiful’
This week our nation will celebrate its 244th birthday. As the days, weeks, and months have blended into a slurry of one of the strangest times in our nation’s history, it might be a challenge this year for some people to get into the spirit of celebrating on the 4th.
Our great nation and its people have taken a lot of punches so far in 2020 and we are only at the halfway point. I saw a cartoon drawing the other day of someone reaching with a long pole from around a corner to open a door labeled “July”. The obvious message was “What’s next?”
The groups may be smaller as you break out your red, white and blue this year, but our hope is that you are able to gather (safely) with some friends and family to remember this date in our history. As a nation we are still working to become the best version of ourselves. And, we have been reminded time and again, there is much work to be done. We all have a duty and responsibility to do our part in the effort.
This year, as the 4th approaches, we thought we would share some timeless quotes from some our nation’s greatest leaders. Quotes, that in many ways are as relevant today as the day they were first spoken. Quotes that remind us no matter what the particular challenges our country has faced in the past, today, or in the future, it’s up to all of us; it’s people, to ultimately see it through.
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
–Thomas Jefferson
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“My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth.”
– Abraham Lincoln
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“The strength of the Constitution, lies in the will of the people to defend it.”
–Thomas Edison
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“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”
– Harry S. Truman
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“The American, by nature, is optimistic. He is experimental, an inventor and a builder who builds best when called to build greatly”
– John F. Kennedy
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“The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.”
– General Norman Schwarzkopf
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“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal”
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“No problem of human making is too great to be overcome by human ingenuity, human energy, and the untiring hope of the human spirit.”
– George H.W. Bush
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Wherever this 4th of July finds you, celebrate our independence by spreading hope and optimism. So many have given so much, regardless of any current challenges we are facing we are all fortunate to be born in this great nation.
Be well and Happy 4th of July! Yes America, you’re still beautiful.
What about you? If you have a favorite inspiring quote from a leader throughout US History, please feel free to share it. Your comments are always welcome.
Chris Steinlage Kansas City Business Coach
