DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20310

INDEPENDENCE DAY 2006

As our Nation celebrates its 230th Independence Day, American Soldiers are making tremendous sacrifices toward the cause of freedom and democracy. America was founded on the principles of liberty and justice, and today's Soldiers join the many generations of servicemen and women who have answered the "Call to Duty".

The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, established as our Nation's ideals that "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" are among the list of "unalienable Rights". In December 1952, during the remarks for the opening of the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom in Washington, D.C., President Harry S. Truman stated;

“The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence can live only as long as they are enshrined in our hearts and minds....Only as these documents are reflected in the thoughts and acts of Americans, can they remain symbols of power that can move the world. That power is our faith in human liberty...”

Today, American Soldiers are preserving liberty and helping others to achieve the very independence we cherish. With "Boots on the Ground" in over 120 countries, Soldiers are fighting for the cause of freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan, while also building and preserving the peace from Kosovo to Korea, and from Africa to South America.

Liberty is our Soldiers' gift to the Nation, and to the world. Thank you to our Soldiers who have served, and to those who are serving today for your contributions to freedom. We also thank our families for their service and sacrifices. God bless our great Army, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

///Signed///

Kenneth O. Preston - Sergeant Major of the Army
Peter J. Schoomaker - General, United States Army, Chief of Staff
Francis J. Harvey - Secretary of the Army