Mufi Hannemann: Two Hundred and Thirty-Four Years
234 years is a long time.
It is time enough for a nation to come of age鈥攖o win its independence, to endure a civil war to uphold the principles of equality, and to fight two world wars to thwart global tyranny.
It is also time enough for three generations to leave their mark on this country鈥攆or immigrants to begin a new life, for their children to fully realize their parents鈥 dreams, and for their children鈥檚 children to take that legacy far beyond their grandparents鈥 wildest imaginings.
As a child of immigrant parents, I know how brightly our nation shines as a beacon of hope for all to see. I also know that, while the rights and benefits that we enjoy may be 鈥渟elf evident,鈥 they should never be taken for granted. Not everyone in the world has access to those rights. Not everyone has the opportunity to freely pursue their own happiness.
Like many in Hawaii, I am the product and the beneficiary of my parents’ dreams. I have experienced firsthand what it means to succeed on the strength of your own efforts and to be allowed to realize your fullest potential. Our people are our greatest asset and the source of our greatness as a nation. The wisdom in our Declaration of Independence and in our constitution comes solely from that belief: That only a truly free people can free their nation to achieve its own greatness.
The Fourth of July is a poignant reminder of who we are and where we came from. It should also remind us of the debt we owe our parents and the responsibility we have to our children. It鈥檚 a time to rededicate ourselves to the hopes and dreams upon which this nation was built and to ensure that they are replenished for our children and their children.
We can do that, not by wearing our national pride on your shirtsleeves once a year, but by being responsible and engaged citizens throughout the year.
Most of all, the Fourth of July is a gift, a gift of hope and great expectations. Embrace it, cherish it and never take it for granted.
