R 301230Z JUN 23
ALMAR 019/23
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE 2023//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  On 4 July 1776, the Second Continental Congress officially approved the final version of the Declaration of Independence.  Every year on the anniversary of that historic moment, the American people unite to celebrate the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” that the founders of our great Nation risked everything to secure and generations of warriors have fought valiantly to preserve.
2.  The Declaration established a strong foundation that calls for the extension of freedom to all people equally.  We have fought many battles, and countless patriots have made the ultimate sacrifice defending the principle of liberty for all.  In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Declaration, our 30th President Calvin Coolidge stated, “Amid all the clash of conflicting interests, amid all the welter of partisan politics, every American can turn for solace and consolation to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States with the assurance and confidence that those two great charters of freedom and justice remain firm and unshaken.”  Today, we celebrate those ideals of freedom and justice for all people, and we recommit ourselves to making those ideals a reality for every individual.
3.  As Marines, we know maintaining that freedom comes at a steep price.  Independence Day offers us a time to reflect on what it means to serve, and what role we can play in ensuring the vision for liberty and equality issued on 4 July 1776 continues to guide our Nation.  We take great pride in our heritage as our Nation’s expeditionary force-in-readiness, and we remain vigilant and ready to defend those freedoms when the Nation calls.
4.  I hope this holiday will offer each of you an opportunity to gather safely with family and friends.  Make wise choices, look out for each other, and make sure everyone returns safe and ready to work.
5.  To all Marines, Sailors, and families, I wish you a happy Independence Day.
6.  Semper Fidelis, David H. Berger, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//