07/04/2026
Remembering Our History. Continuing Our Pursuit.
As we celebrate this Fourth of July, I also reflect on Juneteenth. Both are important parts of our nation's story.
The founding of our country brought freedom and opportunity for some, while others experienced profound hardship and injustice. I am not sharing this to provoke emotion, but to encourage reflection. I believe that if we fail to acknowledge the good, the bad, and the ugly of our history as one story, we risk repeating its mistakes.
Acknowledging the full truth of our past does not have to divide us. It can unite us in the shared commitment to learn, grow, and continue building a better future. There is a saying attributed to Martin Luther King Jr.: "We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now."
Our Constitution has been amended over time, reflecting our nation's ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union and the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. We have not yet fully realized that promise, but we must never stop pursuing it.
As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, let us honor not only our achievements but also the struggles, setbacks, perseverance, and progress that brought us here. Our history includes all of these, and understanding them together helps shape a stronger future.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July.
