It proclaimed the dignity of labor and the right to-the profits of personal effort. It erected the little white church and synagogue in 250,000 communities. It created a nation of men with free bodies, free minds, free opinions, and free souls. It brought forth in only 200 years, the greatest wealth and the highest standard of living any people in history have ever known. That is the American idea.
History is the story of man's struggle for liberty.
Perhaps we need that reminder more than any other today. We need to be reminded that there has always been a struggle for liberty. Upon a free body, a free mind, free opinions, and a free soul have hinged most of man's achievements. Here are the great privileges of American citizenship - a free, independent citizen's stake in the nation. These are his equality, and his inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.