Independence is Earned

Today we celebrate the Declaration of Independence. The signers of the document were mostly men of means. They had thrived under British rule. Yet, they were willing to put everything on the line for the cause. We owe them. We owe them not by celebrating our independence, but by continuing to earn it.

This document has stood for over two hundred years. Men and women have fought and died for what it stands for. I will notice memorials built in small towns. These memorials list the local military members who gave their lives. I can’t help but read all of the names. Some small towns will even have the names of the Revolutionary War dead listed. The number of people we lost during World War 2 is astonishing. Over 60,000 men died in 3 days in Gettysburg. Antietam Creek ran red. They fought to protect more than our way of life. They also fought to liberate victims of human injustice around the world. They should rightfully be honored.

The courage of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence did not give us independence. The soldiers who fought and died did not give us independence. They gave us the opportunity to earn our independence.  Independence is earned through responsibility. The more responsibility you display, the more independence you earn.

Most successful owner operators were successful drivers first. Then we took on the responsibility of owning a truck and operating a business. That decision did not come without risk. My wife and I put a good hunk of savings down on the truck. The bank would not give us a loan on the truck without using the house as collateral. I don’t put the risk that we took on par with the signers of the Declaration of Independence or the soldiers that fought for freedom.  It isn’t even close. As a matter of fact, they laid the groundwork to give me the opportunity to take that risk and responsibility.

Too often in this country we believe that we have a right to what we want.  I will always remember the JFK quote “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Somehow we have gotten that turned around in the last 50 years.  We need to honor the people that gave us opportunity for independence. We can do that by taking responsibility and earning it.
 

Comments (7)

Jeff Clark

Jeff Clark of Kewaunee, WI has been driving a truck for 24 years. He has been an owner operator for 11 years.

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This is a great way to pay tribute on Independence day .

July 04, 2015 7:20:11 AM

You're welcome Greg-and it made me think of the sacrifices that many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence made too.

July 06, 2014 9:25:39 AM

Jeff, thanks for the time to help us remember the sacrifices other have made four our freedoms and opportunities.

July 04, 2014 17:23:16 PM

Thans guys-It all begins with us. Our actions have meaning.

July 06, 2013 5:07:44 AM

In an age where many feel "entitled" to many things, it is important to be reminded that we only have our rights because of those that made the ultimate sacrifice! My hat is off to all those that came before me and to those who serve now, for the freedom they have given all of us!

July 05, 2013 20:19:08 PM

Very well written Jeff could not agree with Craig more. My CDL is the same way I earned that class A license and I do not ever want to do anything to jeopardize it. Happy Early 4th by the way!

July 01, 2013 3:45:11 AM

Jeff, I think this is an extremely well written article. I wish I knew how to turn our government around so that it isn't representing itself but rather all of us that elect them.

June 30, 2013 19:31:12 PM