Independence Day

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, … endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

It’s one of the defining principles in America.

That’s what our forefathers believed. They knew that in order to create a new nation; they had to break away from the old one. It took great courage. They knew they had to fight for our freedoms. They risked everything. They did it with boldness and conviction because it was just.

On Independence Day, we should remember the history of our forefathers and recognize that their efforts created a nation unlike any the world has ever known. In the words of President Barack Obama:

The true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals.

We know that freedom isn’t free. Please remember the battlefield sacrifices and political boldness of our forefathers. Countless Americans have died to protect the nation that we cherish, and their courage should be celebrated and remembered during this special day-in fact, every day.

Many of you heard the powerful words of Congressman John Lewis last week at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner when he so eloquently said:

Maybe, just maybe, our foremothers and our forefathers came to this land in different ships. But we’re all in the same boat now. We are one party, we are one people, we are one family, we all live in one house, the Democratic house. It doesn’t matter whether we are black or white, Latino, Asian-American, or Native American: we are one and we must look out for each another.

This weekend, enjoy family, friends and fireworks. Thanks for all that you do every day to make America and Georgia great.

When you return from this Holiday weekend, I hope you’ll roll up your sleeves and help us continue to push for equal rights and opportunities for those who need it most.

Happy 4^th!