But in this moment of joy, we know that this day falls hard on all of those who’ve lost a loved one. You became the light to see us through the darkness, I hope you know that you, the American people have been part of one of the most remarkable achievements in American history. And for that, we can thank the scientists and researchers, the educators, and all the other frontline essential workers, like many of you here today. So today, while the virus hasn’t been vanquished, we know this, it no longer controls our lives, it no longer paralyzes our nation and it’s within our power to make sure it never does again. We never again want to be moving work a year ago today. That’s how we’re going to stay ahead of these variants and protect the hard won progress we’ve made. So please, if you haven’t gotten vaccinated, do it, do it now, for yourself, for your loved ones, for your community and for your country. My fellow Americans it’s the most patriotic thing you can do. We all know powerful variants have emerged like the Delta variant, but the best defense against these variants is to get vaccinated.
Don’t get me wrong, COVID-19 has not been vanquished. Thanks to our heroic vaccine effort we’ve gained the upper hand against his virus. Back then we had the power of an idea on our side, today there’s the power of science. That’s not to say the battle against COVID-19 is over, we’ve gotten a lot more work to do, but just as our declaration in 1776 was a call to action not a reason for complacency or claim a victory was a call to action, the same is true today. Today, we are closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus. 245 years ago we declared our independence from a distant king. Today, all across this nation we can say with confidence, America is coming back together. We’re seeing record job creation and record economic growth, the best is four decades, and I might add, the best in the world. We’re back to traveling again, we’re back seeing one another again. From families pressing hands against a window to grandparents hugging their grandchildren once again. From empty stadiums and arenas to fans back to their seats, cheering together again.
From silent streets to crowded parade groups lined with people waving American flags. Just think back to where this nation was a year ago, think back to where you were a year ago and think about how far we’ve come.
The year of pandemic and isolation, the year of pain, fear, and heartbreaking loss. This year, the 4th of July is a day of special celebration, it’s where we are emerging from the darkest of years. They help define who we are, guide what we do, remind us of the work that history has given us in our own time. His arms cross, his eyes fixed ahead towards the promised land where equality is not only an aspiration, but a reality. And across the Tidal Basin at the Jefferson Memorial, they’re stands Dr. There’s a Memorial of Thomas Jefferson, who words about liberty and equality literally changed the world. There’s a towering memorial of George Washington, the general who led a revolution and the president who set our nation on its course. Before me stands monuments of the greatest and the goodness of our nation. A day of history, of hope, remembrance and resolve of promise and possibilities. The 4th of July is a sacred day in our country. Today we celebrate America, our freedom, our liberty, our independence.