Remarks of U.S. Representative Thaddeus G. McCotter “Lebanon Cedar Revolution Solidarity Day” May 10th, 2005 – The Capitol, Washington DC

 

My friends, it is the duty and the honor of every child of the American Revolution to stand as one with his fellow human beings abroad who are striving to break the yoke of tyranny and, finally, breath free; thus I extend my deepest gratitude for the privilege of uniting with you amidst these transcendent times of the Cedar Revolution, in which Lebanon’s impending elections will continue to signal her people’s resurrection from Syrian domination.

 

Yes, we live in transcendent times of trial and triumph, wherein we must surmount the sins of the past to secure the hope of humanity. Let us, then, be steeled by the realization we are not the first generation called upon to match the moment and meet his sacred duty; and, let us too, heed the prudence and deeds of liberty’s valorous sentinels echoing down to us throughout the ages. Indeed, in her heart-felt letter to her young son during American’s revolution, does not Abigail Adams eloquently address us?

 

“These are the times in which genius would wish to live. It is not in the still calm of life or the repose of pacific station that great characters are formed. The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. Great necessities call out great virtues. When a mind is raised and animated by scenes that engage the heart, then those qualities which would otherwise lay dormant wake into life and form the character of the hero and the statesman.”

 

My friends, the peaceful patriots of the Cedar Revolution are woven as one with every heir of the American Revolution within the seamless weave of human freedom.

 

Let us, therefore, celebrate our common cause, don our pins, and ensure our world is ever aware of how the roots of Lebanon’s “Cedar Revolution” must and will reach deep into the hearts of every haunted, hunted human being and inspire them to reach for freedom’s fulfillment.

 

And when they do, let the world recall how we and the Lebanese people humanely embraced our task; transcended ourselves; and transformed our times into one emboldened and blessed by the charitable bonds of liberty.

 

Thank you.