Every year on the Fourth of July, Americans gather to celebrate the birth of our nation. We light fireworks, wave flags, and proudly honor the freedoms won in 1776. But as we reflect on what it means to be free, we must also recognize the truth that freedom is not self-sustaining. It requires protection. It requires order. And it requires those willing to stand up and defend both.

That is where law enforcement comes in.

Law Is a Safeguard of Freedom

The motto of the Fraternal Order of Police is Jus, Fidus, Libertatum, which translates to Law is a safeguard of freedom. Those are not just words etched into our emblem. They are the foundation of what we do every day.

Freedom cannot exist without law. The Constitution guarantees liberties, but those liberties are only real when they are protected. South Carolina’s law enforcement officers are the shield that guards those freedoms. Whether it is on a quiet back road or during a large public celebration, officers are the ones making sure peace is preserved and rights are respected.

Standing Watch While Others Celebrate

While families gather this weekend, thousands of officers will be on patrol. They will be watching over parades and fireworks. They will respond to accidents, calls for help, and critical situations. These officers are not just working a shift. They are carrying out a mission.

The public celebration of freedom depends on those who ensure that order holds. Without their service, the chaos of lawlessness would overwhelm the peace that Independence Day is meant to represent.

The Legacy We Uphold

President George Washington once said, “The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.” Today, that guide is upheld every day by law enforcement officers who have sworn to defend it.

Law enforcement officers are the modern-day guardians of the freedom won in 1776. And while we are often misunderstood or even vilified by a vocal few, we continue to show up, serve honorably, and lead by example. That is what makes the FOP different. Our members are not driven by politics. They are guided by principle. They do not seek attention. They seek justice.

We Are Still Standing

In the face of criticism, the men and women of South Carolina law enforcement continue to serve with pride. We are not defined by noise or headlines. We are defined by the steady commitment to our oath, our communities, and each other.

On this Fourth of July, the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police stands proudly with every officer who wears the badge. You are the quiet guardians of liberty. You are the reason freedom endures.

Final Thought

Let us never forget that order is not the enemy of freedom. It is the condition that makes freedom possible.

The SCFOP is proud to support the officers who keep that truth alive every day.