News-Record.com

Friday's lead editorial.

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor” — the Declaration of Independence.

The hallmark of patriotism in 1776, and for many years after, was the willingness to offer any sacrifice, risk any danger and endure any hardship for one’s country.

Those who signed the great statement of separation were true to their words. Every one made himself a target for British retribution, and many of them paid a high price for their nation’s independence. They didn’t just send young men off to fight in a distant war; they lived and worked on the front lines: In 1777, the enemy captured Philadelphia. Later, Thomas Jefferson himself narrowly escaped British dragoons in Virginia. They might have hanged him. Ordinary Americans, too, whether engaged in the fighting or not, found themselves caught in the death, destruction and deprivations of war.

U.S. military men and women serving their country today in difficult wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are the equal of any patriots of the past. They and their families make immense sacrifices to answer the call of duty. Not all Americans, however, have experienced much hardship. Civilians haven’t been asked to support the war effort with even minor lifestyle changes, and the cost just adds to the national debt for future generations to pay.

Other challenges, though, might force adjustments in how we live. Rising energy costs will restrict how and where Americans get around and maybe what goods they can buy. North Carolinians already know they might have to use less water in the future — even the immediate future. Businesses are trying to do more with less, and it’s time for governments to implement greater efficiencies, too. In fact, just as Americans shouldn’t continually ask for additional tax cuts at a time when war costs mount, neither should they always expect more unearned benefits from their government.

The nation launched 232 years ago is still the greatest in history, but the heirs of liberty too easily take for granted the gifts they’ve inherited. Every few generations, Americans have been required to sacrifice for a cause larger than themselves.

The time has come again. Will this generation leave its successors a country that is more secure, energy independent, environmentally healthy, prosperous and free? If so, much needs to be done soon, and it won’t be easy. It could be called a matter of life, fortune and sacred honor.

Those words counted for everything in 1776. They still should matter on this and every Independenc