Every day is a special day for freedom loving people everywhere.

For some – including those living under the heavy hand of totalitarian governments – each day can be one closer to the freedom they seek.

For others – including those not living in totalitarian states – each day can be one day further away from the level of freedom they previously had.

In the latter case, people can recall how things were and can lament not having realized what was happening. Or, not realize in time to stop the assaults perpetrated on their personal freedoms.

In the former case, people can either celebrate each deliberate initiative they undertook to pursue freedom or they can be left to lament not taking enough steps to secure individual freedoms.

Since our country’s founding 235 years ago, the United States has been freedom’s beacon.

The Statue of Liberty has long symbolized our welcoming shores. Many popular patriotic songs recognize and celebrate this reality. One that comes to mind is, “They’re Coming to America.” Can you recall the opening line in that Neil Diamond song?

“On the boats … and on the planes … they’re coming to America.”

Long before the Declaration of Independence, “they” came to the New World primarily for religious freedom. Virginia Dare, born in 1587, was the first child of English parents born in North America. Virginia was the daughter of Ananias and Elenor Dare, members of Sir Walter Raleigh’s ill-fated colony that settled Roanoke Island on the North Carolina coast. (Yes, in case you’re wondering, the cookie cake company still bears her name.)

Today, a statue of Virginia Dare stands on the Outer Banks of North Carolina honoring her and all those who came to our shores seeking freedom. Outer Bankers refer to the statue as, “Dare to do the impossible.”

Over the years, Virginia Dare has come to symbolize many things for many Americans. For some, she symbolizes innocence and purity but for others, it’s promise and hope, or even adventure. For all of us, she should symbolize bravery in pursuit of – and security for – our freedoms.

The Outer Bankers get it: “Dare to do the impossible.”

Richard Olivastro is president of Olivastro Communications and founder of Citizens For Change. He can be reached via e-mail: at RichOlivastro@gmail.com or by phone at 1-877-RichSpeaks.