Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.

Ronald Reagan – From a speech given on October 27, 1964

A general Dissolution of Principles & Manners will more surely overthrow the Liberties of America than the whole Force of the Common Enemy. While the People are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their Virtue they will be ready to surrender their Liberties to the first external or internal Invader.

Samuel Adams – In a letter to James Warren written on February 12, 1779

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, Ratified in December 1791

To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

George Washington – Address to Congress on January 8, 1790

True republicanism is the sovereignty of the people. There are natural and imprescriptible rights which an entire nation has no right to violate.

Marquis de Lafayette – From a speech given on January 3, 1834

Posterity! You will never know, how much it cost the present Generation, to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good Use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it.

John Adams – In a letter to Abigail Adams written on April 26, 1777

I hope we have once again reminded people that man is not free unless government is limited. There’s a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts.

Ronald Reagan – From his Farewell Address to the Nation given on January 11, 1989

The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.

Samuel Adams – During the Massachusetts Ratifying Convention in 1788

No freeman shall ever be debarred the use of arms.

Thomas Jefferson – First Draft of The Virginia Constitution, 1776