Courage for America Celebrates July 4th and Recommits to Fighting for a Democracy Free from Extremism
“After the most recent decisions from the Supreme Court in Fischer v. U.S. and Trump v U.S., this Independence Day must serve as a call to action — to recommit to defending against the dangerous threats to our democracy.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Courage for America released the following statement celebrating July 4th, Independence Day, which commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. As Americans across the country celebrate this important holiday, Courage for America and its Councilmembers remain committed to upholding the principles of freedom this country was founded on, and protecting our democracy from political violence and extremism.
“Today is meant to commemorate a milestone in American history that would become a stepping stone for the freedoms and privileges that we all enjoy as citizens of this country. However, after the most recent decisions from the Supreme Court in Fischer v. U.S. and Trump v U.S., this Independence Day must serve as a call to action — to recommit to defending against the dangerous threats to our democracy,” said Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, Courage for America Councilmember. “Now more than ever, we must all rally towards ensuring that the sacrifices of servicemembers and veterans do not go in vain. As an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq, and a former U.S. Capitol Police Officer who defended the Capitol on January 6th, Independence Day is more than just another holiday. It is a reminder of what is at stake for the sanctity and security of our democracy. If we are to prevent a repeat of Jan. 6, we must acknowledge the threat MAGA extremism poses to our democracy and stop the trajectory of political violence that is facing the nation.”
“July 4th is both a time for celebration and reflection – our country was founded on the principles of freedom and opportunity and we must continue to fight to ensure those principles are not threatened,” said Peter Lucier, Courage for America Councilmember. “While today we celebrate our freedom, we must also acknowledge the work that still needs to be done to ensure our country is truly free and equitable for all Americans. I’m a proud American who served in the United States Marine Corps and I believe in the endless possibilities of this country. We must remain committed to ensuring a fully functioning democracy survives for future generations to enjoy, denounce the MAGA extremism running rampant in Congress, and uplift the values that holistically represent the Republic that many have died protecting.”
“As a U.S. Army veteran, Independence Day is a deeply personal holiday for me – as it is for many of our servicemembers and veterans. Today is a celebration of the freedoms our country has championed since its founding and the democracy we must strive to protect and maintain,” said Naveed Shah, Courage for America Councilmember. “We cannot allow patriotism to be seized by the extremist agenda of MAGA Republicans and the insurrectionists who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. At a time when growing MAGA extremism threatens our democracy, we must strive to continue the work of building an inclusive democracy that serves all Americans, with liberty and justice for all.”
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About Courage for America
Courage for America is a campaign advised by a council of proud Americans speaking out against an extreme MAGA agenda that puts money and power over the rights and freedoms of the American people. The campaign is amplifying the voices of Americans in communities across the country — veterans, educators, faith leaders, and more — to demand the People’s House works for the people. courageforamerica.org