Faces of Freedom
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
For families throughout the country, the Fourth of July is a time to relax with loved ones, enjoy fireworks shows, and grill some good old-fashioned burgers. The holiday also serves as a reminder of those who’ve guaranteed our freedoms, the sacrifices our founders made to ensure our independence, and the progress we have seen as a nation ever since.
Two hundred and forty-three years ago, fifty-six men sat around a table and signed the Declaration of Independence, parting ways with King George III to form a new nation. Our two hundred and forty-three-year journey has been far from perfect, but you can’t look back at our nation’s history and not feel a sense of pride about where we are today.
The first-ever recorded Fourth of July celebration in the Dakotas dates to 1825, decades prior to the statehood of South Dakota. Over a century later, Mount Rushmore became a staple of our state and a memorial to our nation’s greatest leaders and our annual celebration of freedom. Since the completion of Mount Rushmore in 1941, millions of people have visited our state, and I would bet millions more will continue to visit, especially since the Mount Rushmore fireworks show will return next year.
The creation of Mount Rushmore serves as a strong parallel to the trials and tribulations our nation has faced. Much like the formation of the United States, Mount Rushmore took years of labor to come to fruition. The work wasn’t easy – in fact, it was often dangerous and delayed. And despite their differences, hundreds of individuals joined together to create a memorial that would be regarded for centuries. Carving a mountain is arduous and sometimes it looks incomplete. The same can be said for our country – it’s not perfect and the work is far from done, but we are making progress.
Despite the greatest differences in our communities, this is a holiday that unites our nation and reminds us of the hope and greatness that exists in America today. As I gear up to celebrate our nation’s independence with my own family, I’m looking forward to spending much of the day with South Dakotans across the state as well. Whether you’re celebrating in South Dakota or packing up the motorhome to head elsewhere, I hope you have a happy and safe Fourth of July.
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