Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening. And happy Fourth of July.
This week, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding document. That original declaration of principles, that expression of passion that articulates, among other things, how we Americans are "created equal."
Of course, the narrow definition of who deserves life, liberty, and happiness has been expanded since that time, following the many struggles for freedom and equality that are also an important part of our American history. But 250 years ago, that Committee of Five crafted a simple but powerful promise, endowing us with the "unalienable rights" that belong to every American, regardless of politics, power, or possessions.
What do you think they envisioned? Would they ever have dreamed of a continuing nation this far in advance? And the shared values that they embodied in that Declaration that still unite our states and the people of this country two and a half centuries later? Would they have thought about the people who defied expectations to lead scientific discovery, and those who took a “giant leap for mankind” on the moon? Those who mastered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Those who marched for equal rights in Portland, Maine, and Montgomery, Alabama. Those who redefined athletic excellence, and those who became the King of Rock and Roll and the Queen of Soul, singing anthems that moved generations to their feet. The people who explored the frontier and rebuilt our cities after economic crises.
Famous people and unsung heroes who keep America strong. Schoolteachers like my mother, potato farmers like my grandfather, fishermen like my great-grandfather, and Americans all over driven by a belief—often tested—that our will can overcome any obstacle, no matter how high. That our determination can achieve any cause, no matter how distant. A “self-evident” spirit of discovery, of bravery, of courage, of kindness that is at the heart of this nation, at the heart of this land, and at the heart of the Indigenous people as well, who first called it home.
Throughout our history, when Americans were afraid and unsure, they moved forward regardless. When their disagreements were deepest, they risked everything to extend a hand to each other. When they made mistakes, they remembered the hope that America represents to the entire world, and they took steps to make sure that our nation lives up to its ideals and the ideals of the drafters of the Declaration of Independence.
We keep that hope alive by doing our duty as Americans, exercising our precious right to vote, standing up for our Constitution, standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, preserving the rule of law, and defending the safety and security of our country.
According to one historian, after the Declaration of Independence was signed, one Philadelphia merchant named Jonas Phillips sent a copy of it with a letter to Amsterdam. He wrote, "The enclosed is a declaration of the whole country. How it will end, the blessed God knows."
Well, 250 years later, we recommit to keeping that democracy alive, to defending the Constitution and our freedoms, which was so hard won throughout our history. We walk forward, as we always have—in fits and starts if we must—towards that “more perfect Union.” Until the promise of progress, of freedom, of justice and equality for all is more than just a dream.
On this extraordinary occasion, I commend to you a full reading of the Declaration of Independence and a deep reflection on the promise of this great country and on those who have served and continue to serve her well. I wish all Maine people and all visitors a safe and happy holiday weekend, this 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation.
This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.