In an appearance leading up to the celebration of Independence Day, President Trump honored veterans and brought down the house when he explained that rights are a gift given to us by God that will never go away.
“Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence 241 years ago, America always affirmed that liberty comes from our Creator. Our rights are given to us by God, and no earthly force can ever take those rights away,” the President said, before reminding the audience that “In God We Trust” is inscribed on our currency.
Trump was addressing those in attendance at the “Celebrate Freedom Rally” which was held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Much of the press chose to focus on Trump’s critique of the media, while ignoring some of the truly great veterans mentioned by name at the event. From Fox News:
“America is a land rich with heroes,” said Trump at the event, which included wounded warriors who are patients at the Walter Reed Medical Center.
During his speech, the president personally saluted World War II veteran Harry Miller for his lifelong service and wounded warrior Luis Avila. Miller enlisted in the reserves at 15, even though he was not old enough to serve. He fought in Europe and in The Battle of the Bulge. Avila, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was on a fifth deployment when he was wounded, losing his leg, during an intelligence reconnaissance mission.
“We all bleed the same red blood,” said Trump, promising an adoring crowd that America would “win again.”
Trump did go on to absolutely blast what he referred to as the “fake media” for continuing attempts to “silence us” in a sharp rebuke.
“The fake media is trying to silence us, but we will not let them. The fake media tried to stop us from going to the White House. But I’m president, and they’re not.”
Pastor Robert Jeffress, who was a vocal Trump supporter, was on hand for the event as it was sponsored by his church, First Baptist Dallas. He released a statement about the event, which read: “We have in President Donald J. Trump one of the great patriots of our modern era and a president who cherishes the sacrifice and service of those in our armed forces.”