"The perfection of our union, especially our commitment to equality of opportunity, has been a story of constant striving to live up to our Founding principles. This is what Abraham Lincoln meant when he said, 'In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free - honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve.'"

The passage reflects on the ongoing process of realizing the foundational ideals of the United States, particularly the pursuit of equality of opportunity. It suggests that the United States was founded on high-minded principles, most notably the belief that all individuals are created equal and deserve a fair chance to pursue happiness and personal fulfillment. However, rather than being a destination achieved at the nation's birth, the fulfillment of these ideals is described as a journey, one marked by continual efforts, challenges, and the necessity to strive forward even in the face of setbacks.

Paul Ryan’s reference to Abraham Lincoln’s words roots this narrative in a historical moment of great moral significance: the emancipation of enslaved individuals during the Civil War. Lincoln’s assertion that “In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free” points to a moral symmetry, by expanding liberty to those who have been denied it, the freedom and dignity of all citizens are validated and strengthened. The act of granting freedom does not diminish those already free, but rather preserves and enhances the common good. Lincoln saw the end of slavery not just as justice for the enslaved, but as crucial for the ethical integrity of the entire nation.

The passage thus presents American history as a steady, albeit imperfect, progression toward a more perfect union. Each generation is charged with the responsibility to close the gap between the country’s principles and its realities. This involves recognizing injustices, correcting them, and recommitting to equality for all. The legacy invoked is one of hope and obligation: that only through ongoing dedication to the principles of equality and opportunity can American society approach the lofty standards set forth by its founders. In this way, both the freedoms achieved and the efforts expended to attain them are worthy of honor and preservation.