Freedom’s foundation Published Jan. 8, 2009 By Col. Mark Dillon 60th Air Mobility Wing commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The leadership of our founding fathers forged this great nation and the freedoms we cherish today. As men and women in the profession of arms, it is imperative we appreciate the sacrifices, determination and vision of those proud Americans who bravely founded the most flexible form of democracy the world has ever known. This week marks the anniversary of a major step toward American independence when the pamphlet Common Sense was published on Jan.10, 1776. This 48-page document written by Thomas Paine ignited public discussion of a controversial topic (American freedom from British rule) which was rarely discussed openly because it was considered treasonous. These discussions galvanized public support for American self-rule, and prompted representatives of the Second Continental Congress set a course for independence. Congress responded by appointing a committee of five delegates, led by Thomas Jefferson, to draft a statement of independence from England -- our Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July, 4 1776, publically announced American independence to the world by stating cause for freedom. The declaration epitomizes human rights, most evident in the document's famous preamble which states, "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." These basic rights and freedoms are what you so bravely defend every day. In the more than 232 years since our nation's independence, the United States of America has initiated and safeguarded democracy around the world. You and your families contribute to this legacy of freedom today as we defend our American way of life here at home and as coalition military forces bring democracy to Iraq and Afghanistan. In the same spirit as our country's founding fathers, your leadership and determination have defeated tyranny and afforded unprecedented freedoms to Iraqi and Afghani citizens. All of you -- Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, past and present -- should be proud of this fact. In the words of Thomas Paine, you are the nation's sentry affording the "blessing of freedom" and in doing so must "undergo the fatigue of supporting it." I am honored to serve with you during this important time in American history.