July 4, 2019

Happy July 4th! 

As many of you know, July 4^th is one of my favorite holidays. Not only for the significance of the Declaration of our Independence (although all the hard work was accomplished by July 2^nd), but for all the men and women who have put their lives in harms way to make this great Nation the longest running Democracy in history.

We hope everyone will be able to enjoy the summer festivities that traditionally mark the U.S. Independence Day holiday.  We encourage everyone to reflect for a moment on one of the enduring sources of our strength as a nation. History has shown that our national sovereignty can never be taken for granted, and that the freedoms we enjoy never come free. They have been secured and continue to be protected – sometimes at very great cost – by the men and women who throughout history have answered the call of duty to serve in our armed forces.

Today, thousands of our fellow citizens are stationed far away from native soil, serving our national interests and often risking their lives in the process. We owe them and all who came before them a deep debt of gratitude. In a very uncertain world, their sacrifices make our way of life possible. So, as we head to the beach, mountains or simply the backyard in anticipation of baseball games, family barbecues and all the other leisure activities that make the summer so pleasurable, please join us in thanking all of our service men and women, past and present, who have ensured our nation’s place as “the land of the free, and the home of the brave.”

Be safe! And please enjoy OUR Fourth of July!