fourth-of-july-2021-10-patriotic-quotes-remind-all-about-true-meaing-behind-holiday

Fourth of July 2021: 10 Patriotic Quotes to Remind Us All About the True Meaning Behind the Holiday

There’s no better way to get excited for the Fourth of July than to take a look back at some of our country’s most patriotic moments. As the “mixing bowl” of the world, citizens of all backgrounds, turmoils and eras came to our nation for one single, shining reason: liberty.

While you decorate your home in red, white, and blue, take a look at these ten quotes that inspire patriotic pride.

Patriotic Pride Comes From Hard Work

“Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness.”

— Louis D. Brandeis

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Louis D. Brandeis served as a Supreme Court Justice from 1916 to 1939.

“In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt

Following the Great Depression, 32nd U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt told Americans that freedom cannot be guaranteed unless the people are willing to work towards it.

“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination.”

— Harry Truman

While leading the nation through the end of World War II and the beginning stages of the Cold War, 33rd U.S. President Harry Truman reminded the people that fear does not drive our people. Instead, innovation and bravery make up the foundation of our patriotic pride.

Liberty Is at the Heart of a Nation

“Liberty is the breath of life to nations.”

— George Bernard Shaw

While George Bernard Shaw was a Dublin native, the playwright still knew the importance of freedom as we celebrate it in the U.S. He is also famous for his other quote, “Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.”

“Dreams are the foundation of America.”

— Lupita Nyong’o

Because she dreamt of becoming a star, Kenyan-Mexican actress, Lupita Nyong’o embodies the American Dream with her successful career as an immigrant from Mexico City.

“America is a tune. It must be sung together.”

— Gerald Stanley Lee

With so many beautiful, patriotic songs written about our nation, it’s easy to join voices about our independence.

“Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.”

— Kahlil Gibran

Despite the turmoil from his younger years, Lebanese-American writer Kahlil Gibran appreciates and celebrates the central role freedom plays for a united nation.

Patriotic Quotes That Unite Us

“The essence of America, that which really unites us, is not ethnicity or nationality or religion. It is an idea, and what an idea it is — that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things.”

— Condoleeza Rice

While working with 43rd President George W. Bush as Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice redefined the American Dream in modern context.

“That is the truly beautiful and encouraging aspect of freedom; no one struggles for it just for himself.”

— Fanny Lewald

German novelist and women’s rights activist of the late 1800’s Fanny Lewald reminds us that the pursuit of liberty is not a selfish act.

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”

— Elmer Davis

During World War II, Elmer David acted as the Director of the United States Office of War Information. He coined this popular quote that honors the patriotic service members that make our freedom possible.