Summary: June 27, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, celebrates America’s Independence Day. The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: On Monday, we'll celebrate the 4th of July. Amidst the fireworks and family fun, let's reflect on the larger meaning of our nation's birth date. Freedom is a priceless gift. We owe those who defend it more than we can ever express. From the beginning, America has served as a beacon of hope for the oppressed. Just ask those who fled political and religious tyranny what America means to them. And America is a work in progress, constantly seeking to overcome its shortcomings. This, too, reflects our nation's greatness. We know we must always do better to achieve our founder's vision, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. On this 4th of July, let's recall the words from the Hebrew Bible inscribed on the Liberty Bell. “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof”. Happy 4th of July, America. Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC
