Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit
David Freund, Chief Leadership Officer
As a kid, I just loved the 4th of July holiday. Except for a handful of years, my family and I would hop into an old wooden boat at precisely 9 PM on July 3rd for the lighting of Otisco Lake. As the years passed and I got older, my parents no longer joined us for the boat ride, and my children would be in the boat to enjoy the amazing experience. Now, I’m the old man, and my grandchildren and children join me in the boat as we observe fireworks, flares, and bonfires. There were also a couple of years when the old boat had engine trouble, and dear friends invited us onto their boat so we wouldn’t miss out on the excitement. Such wonderful family times filled with laughter and joy.
As much as I cherish the events surrounding our 4th of July celebrations, the reason we celebrate is even more important. We celebrate because wise men, blessed by God, risk their lives and the lives of their families in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. These men believed that all were endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. They weren’t perfect, but they wrote of their intent to form a more perfect union that would establish justice, tranquility, and the blessings of liberty.
For my grandparents, this country was a refuge from military dictators. For over two centuries, people have flocked to our shores, yearning to be free. Like my grandparents, many saw The United States as a place where they could build a better future and live out their dreams. Our United States isn’t perfect, but it’s far better than any other country I’ve seen, and I am blessed to call it my home.
The best leaders similarly run their organizations. They strive to improve and get better every year. They work with each employee to help them pursue life, liberty, and happiness. When our employees feel as though they are pursuing their dreams and their families’ dreams, we not only engage their hands but their hearts and minds. When this happens, just as in these amazing United States of America, the potential is limitless.
I hope you had a very happy Independence Day!