Knox ceremony salutes nation's independence

By Seth Lamar, staff writerJuly 11, 2013

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Fort Knox celebrated 237 years of independence July 3 with a ceremony at U.S. Army Cadet Command headquarters.

Hundreds of onlookers attended the event that featured keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Jeff Smith, the commander of Cadet Command and Fort Knox, the 113th Army Band and 51-gun salute to the states and territories of the United States.

Not only was the event a celebration of freedom, but it also recognized those who fought and currently fight for the freedoms American citizens enjoy. Smith's remarks reflected the pride that America takes in the men and women who made this country into the land of the free.

"This Army protects the freedoms we so truly appreciate, but sometimes we don't recognize the sacrifices that have been made for these freedoms," he said. "To all of our Soldiers that are deployed and more specifically their Family members doing so much back here at Fort Knox."

The most famous document written in U.S. history was written after the colonies had already been at war with the British Empire for more than a year, but it would take more than words for America to win its independence.

"The Declaration of Independence was a summation of what this nation and its people stand for and the beauty of it is in the simplicity of its most famous passage," Smith said. "It reads, 'We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights and among them are life liberty and the pursuit of happiness'."

Fort Knox is well known for its past history with armor and artillery, but its namesake played a significant role in the birth of a nation. Henry Knox was an artillery officer in the Continental Army under George Washington, who led forces to decisive victories. Smith reminded those attending the ceremony that the man for whom the installation is named knew what was needed for the people of a nation to truly be free.

"Men like Knox understood Britain wouldn't let go of its colonies because of words printed on a piece of paper and ultimately led the Continental Army to its first significant victory of the war at Fort Ticonderoga," he said.

Throughout the history of America, the price of freedom has remained the same. The sacrifices of today are the same as they were in 1776.

"The price of freedom was paid in blood as it is today," Smith said. "As it has ever been this from the Revolutionary War and with what we're doing in Afghanistan with 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. Our Soldiers, our military, our veterans--they all deserve a great deal of credit for the tremendous success of our great nation to endure as it has with such freedom as it has for all these years.

I know all of you are proud to see all these flags flying behind me today on this great parade field under this beautiful Kentucky blue sky above us, knowing that our Soldiers make it possible for people like us and people around the country to be safe and enjoy the freedom that we do today."