40 Fourth of July Quotes That Celebrate America

For many people, the 4th of July is just another day to kick back, sip on some festive 4th of July-themed drinks, and watch fireworks light up the sky. Whether you and your crew are planning on piling up in the backyard to enjoy a specialty menu of delicious food or are still trying to put together a list of holiday weekend activities that includes something for everyone on it, the 4th of July is a true depiction of summer fun in the sun.

In the midst of all of the patriotic cakes and bakes, however, it’s easy to forget what the day is truly about: freedom. With these 4th of July quotes though, you’ll be able to remember why we celebrate the day and what it truly means to be an American. Serving as a reminder of the millions of American men and women who have sacrificed their lives to make the United States a free and safe land, these quotes—which come from many of the country’s most prominent figures—will offer a time of reflection and appreciation to all who read them.

Although it’s important to note that the fight for equality and freedom for all is still something our country is struggling to achieve, taking the time to dive into what it means to be a true American can help you to make active choices to aid in its progression and work to change what you can around you. And, with any luck, you will encourage others to do the same.

"You cannot separate peace and freedom. Because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom."

"The fact is, with every friendship you make and every bond of trust you establish, you are shaping the image of America projected to the rest of the world."

"Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country."

"People in power are trying to convince us that the villain in our American story is each other. But that is not our story. That is not who we are. That's not our America. Our United States of America is not about us versus them. It's about We the people!"

"We can't all be Washingtons, but we can all be patriots."

"There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America."

"We are called the nation of inventors. And we are. We could still claim that title and wear its loftiest honors if we had stopped with the first thing we ever invested, which was human liberty."

"What brings us together as Americans is so much stronger than anything that can tear us apart."

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty."

"The fact is: It's true what they say about the United States. It is a land of opportunity. It is too various to get bored with it."

"America is another name for opportunity."

"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. That it doesn't matter where you come from, but where you are going."

"For you have been called to live in freedom. Use your freedom to serve one another in love."

"this nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."

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

"May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to do what is right."

"Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country."

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

"I believe in America because we have great dreams, and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true."

"The American, by nature, is optimistic. He is experimental, an inventor, and a builder who builds bets when called upon to build greatly."

"Liberty is the breath of life to nations."

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

"We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it."

"Who ever walked behind anyone to freedom? If we can't go hand in hand, I don't want to go."

"Freedom is fragile and must be protected. To sacrifice it, even as a temporary measure, is to betray it."

"Freedom is not won on the battlefields. The chance for freedom is won there. The final battle is won or lost in our hearts and minds."

"One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation forevermore!"

"America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and on unbeatable determination to do the job at hand."

"With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?

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

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."

"Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another's uniqueness."

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."

"Truth is powerful and it prevails."

"If we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, we accept the responsibility ourselves and allow those responsible to salve their conscience by believing that they have our acceptance and concurrence. We should, therefore, protest openly everything...that smacks of discrimination or slander."

"The time is always right to do what is right."

"If there is no struggle, there is no progress."

"Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly."

"My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together."

In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute."

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