Independence Day: Command Chief's message Published July 2, 2014 By Chief Master Sgt. James Loper 916th Air Refueling Wing SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- On this Independence Day, I would like to extend my gratitude and best wishes to 916th Air Refueling Wing Airmen and their families. On this day, we honor you for your service and the many sacrifices you make to defend our freedom. While many Americans will spend this holiday with family and friends enjoying summer weather, fireworks, and outdoor barbecues, others will be on the front lines defending our country. Today, in particular, the American people pay tribute to you for your strength, your courage, and your willingness to put your lives on the line to protect this country. It was 238 years ago that our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Since then, generations of Americans have stepped forward to safeguard the liberties that our founders fought to give us. That was true two centuries ago during the War of 1812, when we first defended our young nation from attack, and has remained true whenever freedom has been threatened in the generations since. Today, you continue to protect the freedoms that were first outlined in that Declaration. You serve our nation proudly and are willing to put your lives on the line so that our children can have a better future and for that I am eternally in your debt. As we celebrate the birth of our nation, it is a time for every American to recognize that the blessings of freedom we enjoy are not free -- they come from a legacy of sacrifice, courage, and leadership. That legacy is now our responsibility to fulfill -- so that our children can enjoy a better life. Have a wonderful and safe weekend.