We do love this land. But there are times when we, as a people, forget what is necessary to achieve "liberty and justice for all". We forget the price that has been paid for the freedoms we enjoy. We forget that only through individual responsibility, can we move closer to fulfilling the promise of America for everyone. We forget that this country achieved its position among nations and produced the highest standard of living on earth based on the building blocks of Freedom, Initiative, Virtue, Ingenuity, Perseverance, Opportunity, Free Expression, and Limited Government.

The events of September 11 reminded us of how much we love this land. They reminded us of the importance of standing together in the fight for freedom. Leonard Pitts wrote " As Americans we will weep, as Americans we will mourn, and as Americans we will rise in defense of all that we cherish." Following September 11 was a period of national unity, a period of coming together for a common cause, a revival of the American Spirit.

Today there is a fear we have lost this sense of unity and commitment to our nation’s values. There is a fear we will repeat the mistakes of past civilizations from which we should receive instruction. "The corridors of time are lined with the mistakes of societies that lost their way, cultures that forgot their purpose, Nations that took no heed of the lessons of their past." (Senator Robert C. Byrd - WV)

We are called to see this doesn’t happen to America. As Ayn Rand cautioned, "We can evade reality, but we cannot evade the consequences of evading reality..."

On this day may "We the people...", "We the people..." of July 4..., "We the people..." of September 11, "We the people..." who shoulder the responsibility of protecting and advancing liberty, understand we can only secure freedom by practicing the principles of a free society.

In appreciation of your friendship,

H. Herchiel Sims, Jr