“Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind.
Mankind, that word should have new meaning for all of us today.
We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore.
We will be united in our common interests.
Perhaps it’s fate that today is the 4th of July and you will once again be fighting for our freedom, not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution, but from annihilation.
We’re fighting for our right to live, to exist.
And should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice:
We will not go quietly into the night!
We will not vanish without a fight!
We’re going to live on!
We’re going to survive!
Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!“
– President Thomas J. Whitmore (Independence Day)
Admit it. You read that, thought of the movie scene, and got chills. Independence Day is easily one of the best science fiction movies ever made. It had a great cast, the special effects were ahead of its time, and the execution was beyond fantastic. It was entertainment from beginning to end and even non-sci-fi fans typically admit to having liked the movie.
I have to confess, I wasn’t planning on ever talking about Independence Day, but when I considered what today is, how could I not? I suppose I could have used plenty of others, but let’s be honest, it almost feels like this one was destined to be today’s inspiration. What messages or lessons are there to be obtained? I am glad you asked.
Near the end of Independence Day, the “President” delivers this speech. It has an immediate and positive effect that fires everyone up during a time when they couldn’t possibly be more terrified. They are about to engage in a battle that they all know they will likely lose. It is a last swing at an enemy that has all but won. It is in this setting that the right words are needed at this critical moment, and they are delivered. Words matter.
Words are a weapon in themselves, but they are not always enough. Independence Day shows us this immediately after the speech when the “President” immediately moves to take control of one of the combat aircraft and put his life on the line, the same as everyone else. Words matter, but when you combine those words with supportive actions, the words have even more value.
Fiction or not, this is not a dissimilar concept from what we have seen throughout history. There have been plenty of instances when Kings, Emperors, Commanders, Generals, Admirals, Captains, etc., have put their money where their mouths were because they knew that there is a big difference between leaders and the people that truly lead.
Happy Independence Day to everyone celebrating! Please have fun and be safe!
Journeyman's Legacy 