Kathy Swan's Spirit of America speech

Editor's note: The following remarks were delivered by Kathy Swan on Thursday, July 4 at the Great American Fourth of July celebration held at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

The Spirit of America — what comes to mind?

Do you immediately think of our nation’s founders? What was it that made them so successful?

Determination, creativity, courage, grit? Most certainly.

By definition, the “Spirit of America” is the defense of freedom —freedom of speech, religion, politics and business.

Our founders were great leaders, not because of their social rank, title or position, but because of selfless leadership built on character, honesty and integrity.

Yet, most importantly, they had a faithful commitment to do the right things for the right reasons and doing them in the right way.

Today’s American spirit encompasses:

• The “American Dream” — the risk and opportunity taken to start a business;

• Volunteerism — generously devoting your time, knowledge and talents to your church and community;

• Patriotism — our pride and respect for the flag and the national anthem;

• Strength and optimism — to adapt, rebuild and re-invent;

• Our culture — the rich blending of the “melting pot” of various ethnicities; and

• Our most precious — freedom of speech.

Today, there is a concern that America is at a crossroads, a partisan divide that has swept the nation with an intolerance of others who have opposing opinions.

Shortly after 9/11, you may recall a public service announcement with faces of different races, cultures and dialects all proudly professing the same profound statement: I am an American!

Our strength is truly in the differences each of us brings to the table, but our endurance is in our unity for a common cause, our freedom.

The success of our founder leaders was grounded in their unity and solidarity behind the same cause: freedom.

Walt Whitman, an American poet, knew that the fate of each one of us is tied to the fate of us all.

In the preface of "Leaves of Grass," Whitman wrote:

"The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislature, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges or churches or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors…but always most in the common people."

We are immeasurably blessed to be an American, whether by birth or by naturalization.

Our freedom is a priceless gift not only from our forefathers but repeatedly safeguarded by our active military and veterans.

We must not waste this priceless gift nor take the contributions made by our veterans lightly.

We cannot be passive spectators but must acknowledge our responsibility by embracing freedom as active citizens in our community, our state, and our nation.

Maya Angelou once said:

"I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.”

The opportunities and success I have experienced, I owe to friends, family, mentors and colleagues.

Without their support, I would not have successfully sponsored and passed over 30 pieces of state legislation benefiting Missouri children, parents, seniors and schools by removing barriers and increasing access to healthcare, education, and workforce training, including a bill that requires high school students to pass an American civics exam for graduation.

I sincerely thank them for their constant backing and encouragement.

A very special thank you goes to my front row cheerleader, coach, and husband of 53 years, Reg, for putting up with me.

I am most appreciative and grateful to the Southeast Missourian editorial board for this tremendous honor.

Your commitment to promote the American spirit should inspire and renew the spirit of America in our own hearts.

What a wonderful tradition to celebrate our nation’s birthday!

United, America stands!

After all, we are the United States of America!

God bless all of you, and may God continue to bless the USA!

Kathy Swan, a nurse, small business owner, former lawmaker and current member of the state Labor and Industrial Relations Commission, is the 2024 Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award recipient.