If you think Independence Day is America's defining holiday think again. Thanksgiving deserves that title hands-down.

I am going to take something I learned over in Israel. Their Independence Day is preceded the 24 hours before with Memorial Day so it gives them a chance to serve and reflect and then celebrate. I am going to try to start that tradition here in America.

What happened in America in the 1860s was a war of secession a war of independence no different in principle from what happened in America in the 1770s and 1780s.

In war when a commander becomes so bereft of reason and perspective that he fails to understand the dependence of arms on Divine guidance he no longer deserves victory.

Could I say that the reason that I am here today you know from the mouth of the State Department itself is: I should not be allowed to travel because I have struggled for years for the independence of the colonial peoples of Africa.

A tragic irony of life is that we so often achieve success or financial independence after the chief reason for which we sought it has passed away.

They tell me that it will be hard to find a man strong enough to love my own strength and independence and not worry about being Mr. Diana Ross but I disagree. I know absolutely that that man is somewhere out there.

The most unpardonable sin in society is independence of thought.

The only part of the conduct of any one for which he is amenable to society is that which concerns others. In the part which merely concerns himself his independence is of right absolute. Over himself over his own body and mind the individual is sovereign.

The virtues of science are skepticism and independence of thought.

Women today are dealing with both their independence and also the fact that their lives are built around finding and satisfying the romantic models we grew up with.

Since achieving their independence in 1992 the people of Croatia have built a democratic society based on the rule of law respect for human rights and a free market economy.

If women be educated for dependence that is to act according to the will of another fallible being and submit right or wrong to power where are we to stop?

First I think more Americans need to declare their independence from partisan politics on both sides. The more that Americans declare their independence the more the parties will have to compete for their votes using reason rather than the hateful appeals.

There is no more independence in politics than there is in jail.

But since independence Gabon is one of the few countries in Central Africa that enjoys peace and stability.

Standing as I believe the United States stands for humanity and civilization we should exercise every influence of our great country to put a stop to that war which is now raging in Cuba and give to that island once more peace liberty and independence.

Nature has never read the Declaration of Independence. It continues to make us unequal.

A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body it gives boldness enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball and others of that nature are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks.

Marriage is another trap. If you are someone who likes independence it's another stamp against that. And you have to swear to fidelity.

Clearly if it is sensible to hold a referendum on independence it is crucial that we have one on marriage. It is the only way the country can move forward on this issue. Let all those who have a view on this subject place their trust in the Scottish people and let Scotland decide.

Independence doesn't - doesn't equate to moderates. Millions of independents are pro-life. Millions of independents believe marriage is between a man and a woman.

Spending only what the country can afford rewarding savings encouraging independence supporting marriage: people know that these things are common sense.

Perhaps my problem in marriage-and it is the problem of many women-was to want both intimacy and independence. It is a difficult line to walk yet both needs are important to a marriage.