To celebrate Independence Day in the United States, today’s quote is drawn from Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s “Message to American Youth,” which he released to the Associated Press on June 23, 1934 in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the launch of the modern Olympic Games.  Although I’ve referenced this letter several times in these daily quotes, it seemed appropriate to recall the Baron’s admiration for the U.S. on this particular holiday.  He clearly had high hopes for American youth—and given the performance of the US Olympic Teams over the years, I believe he would have taken great pleasure in the way this nation responded to his call. For those interested, an image of the entire Message is attached.

“I specially desire to send an appeal to American youth to take up and help to make fruitful the inheritance I pass on to them ... Dear friends, beyond the seas, I hope that you will work to strengthen what I have accomplished and to complete what I will leave unfinished. I thank you. I have the deepest faith in the destiny of your great country which I still admire and love in the twilight as I did in the dawn of my life.”