Calvin Coolidge’s Notable Speech

George Will referred to it as “one of six” best speeches ever. “It has never been given to us by an American president,” Calvin Coolidge proclaimed to an audience of 35,000 in Philadelphia. The atmosphere was described by a reporter as being “unemotional, like fate.”

Coolidge was indeed a distinct figure; he was the only U.S. president born on July 4th. However, in 1926, that day fell on a Sunday, compelling him to prioritize church over celebrations. He and his family attended a service at the First Congregational Church of Washington, enjoying a simple dinner at home afterward. The grand commemoration in Philadelphia would need to wait until the next day.

“A very calm final decision was made regarding the declaration.”

Inevitably, a storm swept through Washington. The fireworks planned for the 4th were postponed due to rain, pushing them to July 5th. Ironically, the very celebration for the nation’s birthday was also hindered by the weather. Coolidge delivered his address the next day, with rain still looming. Despite this, the Sesquicentennial Stadium was filled with thousands eager to hear him speak.

A debate lingered over the relevance of the Declaration of Independence. Some progressive thinkers sought to downplay its fundamental assertions—that all men are created equal, that rights are inalienable, and that government derives its power from the consent of the governed—suggesting that these were outdated Enlightenment relics.

Coolidge challenged that notion directly.

“About the declaration,” he remarked, “There’s a very peaceful ending.” He asserted that if all humans are created equal, that stands as the “final thing.” If rights are inalienable, that too is “final.” And if a government is powered by the consent of the governed, that notion is also “final.”

But he didn’t stop there. He insisted that those who sought to dismiss these propositions weren’t progressing; rather, they were moving backwards, towards a time devoid of equality, individual rights, or government of the people. “Those who desire to move in that direction cannot lay claim to progress. They are reactionaries.”

In essence, he was telling the brightest minds in the room that they were missing the essence of their nation. Remarkably, this argument still resonates nearly a century later.