Sacred Fire of Liberty
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List of Sacred Fire of Liberty Award Recipients"The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered... deeply, ...finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people." President Washington uttered these words at the dawning moment of a new system of government, which was destined to become a shining beacon of democracy to the world. Washington's first inaugural address was his first official act as President of the United States of America under its new Constitution, a document that has endured for more than two centuries because its framers, including Washington, understood that God is at the very center of it. In fact, it is impossible even to understand the concept of a national government that is limited in power by the consent of the governed-unless it is also understood that the individuals giving their consent are human beings whose rights come from an authority higher than their government. Human rights are endowed by the Creator, and not by any government that humans have created. This understanding is the "sacred fire of liberty" of which Washington spoke. In God We Trust is a national organization that advocates policies in the public interest, with a particular emphasis on legislation intended to further and protect the guarantees of freedom of religious expression enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution. In order to recognize individuals (and institutions) who have exemplified the highest ideals of In God We Trust, it bestows the SACRED FIRE OF LIBERTY award. Inscribed on the face of this award are the words: "Pass It On." Just like the democratic ideals that have been passed down from generation to generation, our nation's commitment to freedom of religious expression must be nurtured, protected, and defended. It is a calling that must be passed from hand to hand, from generation to generation, from people to people across the miles and across the ages. For this reason, In God We Trust encourages the distinguished recipients of this prestigious award to "Pass It On" by, in turn, bestowing the award on another deserving party whose commitment to freedom of religious expression deserves to be recognized, praised, and encouraged by the community. All recipients of In God We Trust's SACRED FIRE OF LIBERTY award who "Pass It On" are encouraged to contact In God We Trust to announce that the award has been conferred, and to request a replacement for themselves. In God We Trust seeks to maintain a comprehensive list of all award recipients, and to build working relationships with them in order to advance its mission of public advocacy. Fire is at once powerful and ephemeral. It is the only thing a human being can possess that can also be given to another person without being diminished. Indeed, unless extinguished, it only multiplies-giving light and warmth to an otherwise cold and dark world-but, once extinguished, it can only be reignited with great difficulty. Throughout the history of civilization, when fire has been passed on, the people have prospered. But when civilizations lose their way-even great ones, like Rome-the lights go out. All the same things are true of the religious liberties we enjoy as Americans today. In God We Trust represents more than 70,000 Americans who have joined the organization to advance the mission and the principles embodied by the SACRED FIRE OF LIBERTY award. "Pass It On."
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