---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In the over two centuries since the…"
description: "\"In the over two centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, millions of Americans have bravely served our nation in uniform so that..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ef/doc-hastings-18633_declaration_in-the-over-two-centuries-since-the-sign_1227577.png"
---

#  In the over two centuries since the signing of the…

![“In the over two centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, millions of Americans have bravely served our nation in uniform so that all generations can continue to enjoy those same liberties.” quote by Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ef/doc-hastings-18633_declaration_in-the-over-two-centuries-since-the-sign_1227577.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ef/doc-hastings-18633_declaration_in-the-over-two-centuries-since-the-sign_1227577.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ef/doc-hastings-18633_declaration_in-the-over-two-centuries-since-the-sign_1227577.png)

> “In the over two centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, millions of Americans have bravely served our nation in uniform so that all generations can continue to enjoy those same liberties.”

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Service in the armed forces preserves liberty for future generations.

**In simple terms:** Military service protects freedom.

Key Takeaway

Honor and protect liberty.

Themes

service patriotism freedom

Mood

respectful proud

Type

historical inspirational

When to use this quote

- veteran support
- citizen education
- policy advocacy

Key Concepts

civic duty national security

Questions to Reflect On

- How can civilians support the military’s mission?
- What responsibilities do veterans have after service?

A Different Perspective

Military alone cannot guarantee liberty without civic engagement.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Americans Bravely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/americans-bravely-617300/) [Bravely Served](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bravely-served-3443505/) [Declaration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/declaration/) [Declaration Independence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/declaration-independence/) [Enjoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enjoy/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Generations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/generations/) [Independence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/independence/) [Millions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/millions/) [Millions Americans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/millions-americans/) [Signing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/signing/) [Two](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/two/) [Uniform Generations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/uniform-generations-3782973/)

## Related quotes

> [To all those who so selflessly and bravely served our country, THANK YOU. Without you we would not have the rights &amp; freedom we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nishan-panwar/to-all-those-who-so-selflessly-and-bravely-served-our-country-thank/)

[Nishan Panwar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nishan-panwar/)

> [Americans have bravely risen to overcome great challenges, but we still have a long way to go to ensure that everyone shares in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-swalwell/americans-have-bravely-risen-to-overcome-great-challenges-but-we/)

[Eric Swalwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-swalwell/)

> [The year 1776, celebrated as the birth year of the nation and for the signing of the Declaration of Independence, was for those who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-mccullough/the-year-1776-celebrated-as-the-birth-year-of-the-nation-and-for-the/)

[David McCullough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-mccullough/)

> [When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther-king-jr/when-the-architects-of-our-republic-wrote-the-magnificent-words-of/)

[Martin Luther King, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther-king-jr/)

> [No matter how much evidence we uncover about this case or any others involving Mr. Clinton, millions of Americans simply will not care -…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-o-reilly/no-matter-how-much-evidence-we-uncover-about-this-case-or-any-others/)

[Bill O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-o-reilly/)

> [I know that there are millions of Americans who are content with their health care coverage - they like their plan and, most importantly,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/i-know-that-there-are-millions-of-americans-who-are-content-with/)

[Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/)

> [The SAFE Kids and Jobs Act would help millions of Americans pay for childcare while working.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/conor-lamb/the-safe-kids-and-jobs-act-would-help-millions-of-americans-pay-for/)

[Conor Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/conor-lamb/)

> [We must solve the problem in health care by curbing out-of-control costs that erode paychecks for working families and push quality coverage out of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-ryan/we-must-solve-the-problem-in-health-care-by-curbing-out-of-control/)

[Paul Ryan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-ryan/)

> [Tens of millions of Americans who neither know or understand the actual arguments for, or even against, evolution, march in the Army of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaac-asimov/tens-of-millions-of-americans-who-neither-know-or-understand-the/)

[Isaac Asimov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isaac-asimov/)

> [Millions of Americans are either underemployed or unemployed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mario-diaz-balart/millions-of-americans-are-either-underemployed-or-unemployed/)

[Mario Diaz-Balart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mario-diaz-balart/)

> [I know that millions of Americans from all walks of life agree with me that leadership does not mean putting the ear to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shirley-chisholm/i-know-that-millions-of-americans-from-all-walks-of-life-agree-with/)

[Shirley Chisholm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shirley-chisholm/)

> [Millions of Americans and people around the world, especially young people who face intense financial challenges today, haven't been taught how to take control…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-kiyosaki/millions-of-americans-and-people-around-the-world-especially-young/)

[Robert Kiyosaki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-kiyosaki/)

> [We are witnessing a great awakening. Millions of Texans, millions of Americans are rising up to reclaim our country, to defend liberty and to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-cruz/we-are-witnessing-a-great-awakening-millions-of-texans-millions-of/)

[Ted Cruz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-cruz/)

> [I think for the next 50 years I'm not going to be able to stop because of the light that you shine for me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jill-stein/i-think-for-the-next-50-years-i-m-not-going-to-be-able-to-stop/)

[Jill Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jill-stein/)

> [ It's a big country out there and there are tens of millions of Americans who like what the president \[Donald Trump\] is doing. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kellyanne-conway/it-s-a-big-country-out-there-and-there-are-tens-of-millions-of/)

[Kellyanne Conway](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kellyanne-conway/)

## More by Doc Hastings

> [In mid-May, the House of Representatives approved the full amount of money that the Veterans Administration said was needed for next year - plus…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/in-mid-may-the-house-of-representatives-approved-the-full-amount-of/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [We remain united with the British, and our allies around the world, in our resolve to defeat terrorism and bring those who commit these…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/we-remain-united-with-the-british-and-our-allies-around-the-world-in/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [Unfortunately, actions taken by the Senate ensured that relief from the death tax would only be temporary and that it would come back to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/unfortunately-actions-taken-by-the-senate-ensured-that-relief-from/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [Now Congress learns that the Veterans Administration failed to provide complete, accurate information on the money it needs for both this year and next…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/now-congress-learns-that-the-veterans-administration-failed-to/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [Eliminating the death tax is particularly important for the many small business owners and family farmers that call Central Washington home.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/eliminating-the-death-tax-is-particularly-important-for-the-many/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [Those who committed these cowardly acts may believe that they have shaken our resolve to defeat terrorism. They could not be more wrong.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/those-who-committed-these-cowardly-acts-may-believe-that-they-have/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [The men and women on the front lines of the war on terror continue to risk their lives to save ours - and for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/the-men-and-women-on-the-front-lines-of-the-war-on-terror-continue-to/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [In six short years, small business owners and family farmers will once again be assessed a tax on the value of their property at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/in-six-short-years-small-business-owners-and-family-farmers-will-once/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [I am confident that in the end freedom and democracy will prevail over terror and tyranny. We will win this war on terror -…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/i-am-confident-that-in-the-end-freedom-and-democracy-will-prevail/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [In the summer of 1776 our Founding Fathers sought to secure our independence and the liberties that remain the foundation of our nation today.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/in-the-summer-of-1776-our-founding-fathers-sought-to-secure-our/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/137-years-later-memorial-day-remains-one-of-america-s-most-cherished/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [Our region's economy was built upon their entrepreneurial spirit, and our economy still depends on the continued success of the enterprises they have worked…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/our-region-s-economy-was-built-upon-their-entrepreneurial-spirit-and/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [Leaving Iraq without military assistance during its transition, and before it is stable enough to ensure its own citizens' security, would pose a tremendous…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/leaving-iraq-without-military-assistance-during-its-transition-and/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [Like the American soldiers who went before them, they are putting their lives on the line to protect ours.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/like-the-american-soldiers-who-went-before-them-they-are-putting/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

> [We will never forget and we will not relent until our job is done.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/we-will-never-forget-and-we-will-not-relent-until-our-job-is-done/)

[Doc Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

[Explore all 34 Doc Hastings quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/)

## More Declaration quotes

> [Our times demand the declaration of the world's resources as the common heritage of all people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jacque-fresco/our-times-demand-the-declaration-of-the-world-s-resources-as-the/)

[Jacque Fresco](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jacque-fresco/)

> [Throughout our history, the words of the Declaration have inspired immigrants from around the world to set sail to our shores. These immigrants have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-w-bush/throughout-our-history-the-words-of-the-declaration-have-inspired/)

[George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-w-bush/)

> [It was often this way, life consisted of a series of false beginnings, bluff declarations of arrival to destinations not even glimpsed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-lethem/it-was-often-this-way-life-consisted-of-a-series-of-false-beginnings/)

[Jonathan Lethem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-lethem/)

> [The Constitution is very clear on the - on the declaration of war or reacting to international crimes - crimes against nations. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-pitts/the-constitution-is-very-clear-on-the-on-the-declaration-of-war-or/)

[Joe Pitts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-pitts/)

> [“It was to accomplish this lofty purpose basic to all liberty that God “established the Constitution of this land by the hands of wise…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harold-b-lee/it-was-to-accomplish-this-lofty-purpose-basic-to-all-liberty-that-god/)

[Harold B. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harold-b-lee/)

> [Scott noticed Will staring at it and grinned. "Like what you see?" Woolsey Scott asked. "I do enjoy these surprise midnight declarations. Go along,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/scott-noticed-will-staring-at-it-and-grinned-like-what-you-see/)

[Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/)

> [I have read and re-read the Arusha Declaration and found nothing wrong with it except perhaps replacing a few commas here and there... it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julius-nyerere/i-have-read-and-re-read-the-arusha-declaration-and-found-nothing/)

[Julius Nyerere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julius-nyerere/)

> [Making a definitive declaration of intent or meaning kills the photograph.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daido-moriyama/making-a-definitive-declaration-of-intent-or-meaning-kills-the/)

[Daido Moriyama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daido-moriyama/)

> [Nothing is more disgusting than the crowing about liberty by slaves, as most men are, and the flippant mistaking for freedom of some paper…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/nothing-is-more-disgusting-than-the-crowing-about-liberty-by-slaves/)

[Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/)

> [“I've tired so hard to stay away from you, buy your soul is so powerful. It can't be ignored. It calls to me. It's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/h-m-ward/i-ve-tired-so-hard-to-stay-away-from-you-buy-your-soul-is-so-powerful/)

[H.M. Ward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/h-m-ward/)

> [The Declaration of Independence, the words that launched our nation -- 1,300 words. The Bible, the word of God -- 773,000 words. The Tax…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-forbes/the-declaration-of-independence-the-words-that-launched-our-nation-1/)

[Steve Forbes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-forbes/)

> [Shaking off restrictive chains requires action. They cannot be wished away. A declaration will never break chains. It requires commitment, self-discipline, and work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marvin-j-ashton/shaking-off-restrictive-chains-requires-action-they-cannot-be-wished/)

[Marvin J. Ashton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marvin-j-ashton/)

> [We stand today at the threshold of a great event both in the life of the United Nations and in the life of mankind,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eleanor-roosevelt/we-stand-today-at-the-threshold-of-a-great-event-both-in-the-life-of/)

[Eleanor Roosevelt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eleanor-roosevelt/)

> [That government is best which governs the least, so taught the courageous founders of this nation. This simple declaration is diametrically opposed to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/that-government-is-best-which-governs-the-least-so-taught-the/)

[Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/)

> [ \[One\] principle that actuated the lives of the fathers who founded our Constitution was faith in God. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-o-mckay/one-principle-that-actuated-the-lives-of-the-fathers-who-founded-our/)

[David O. McKay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-o-mckay/)

[Browse all 685 Declaration quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/declaration/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "In the over two centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, millions of Americans have bravely served our nation in uniform so that all generations can continue to enjoy those same liberties.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Doc Hastings"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/in-the-over-two-centuries-since-the-signing-of-the-declaration-of/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Declaration"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/in-the-over-two-centuries-since-the-signing-of-the-declaration-of/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ef/doc-hastings-18633_declaration_in-the-over-two-centuries-since-the-sign_1227577.png",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ef/doc-hastings-18633_declaration_in-the-over-two-centuries-since-the-sign_1227577.png",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ef/doc-hastings-18633_declaration_in-the-over-two-centuries-since-the-sign_1227577.png",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“In the over two centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, millions of Americans have…” — Doc Hastings",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Doc Hastings",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doc-hastings/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "In the over two centuries since...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/in-the-over-two-centuries-since-the-signing-of-the-declaration-of/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doc-hastings/in-the-over-two-centuries-since-the-signing-of-the-declaration-of/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
