Independence Day Message to the Workforce

  • Published
  • By Lt. Gen. Gene Kirkland, Air Force Sustainment Center Commander

Teammates,

Americans value, perhaps above all other privileges, our freedom. As the world has adjusted to significant change over the past few months, it has highlighted just how preciously we regard the freedom and independence with which we operate day-to-day.

Paradoxically, our fellow citizens have voluntarily restricted personal activities at an unprecedented level to safeguard against COVID-19 and engaged in rigorous debate about numerous issues – each made possible by individual and collective freedoms.

The unanticipated landscape of 2020 has no doubt served as a significant reminder of how treasured and unique our personal freedom and independence is.

With the signing of the Declaration of Independence 244 years ago, our nation’s visionaries established the principles we put to test today. It is the Declaration of Independence that asserts “We hold these truths to be self-evident, 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.”

Considering this year’s challenges, this Independence Day is a timely opportunity to freshly appreciate freedom and independence in our communities.  

Our freedom is a gift that is for all Americans.  This year, don’t just celebrate it…breathe it in and live it daily.

And please, be safe.

Lt Gen Gene Kirkland
Commander, Air Force Sustainment Center