Happy Fourth of July week! This is the most patriotic week of the year and one I always look forward to. It’s one of the simpler holidays, and while I of course love Christmas time and giving thanks over a wonderful meal at Thanksgiving, there’s something special about the Fourth of July. An American flag, a grill, some fireworks, and family and friends are really all you need to have a great Independence Day celebration. Nearly the entire country comes together to celebrate being part of this incredible nation we’re all blessed to call home, and this year was no exception. My family and I had a very patriotic day with hot dogs, fireworks (and sparklers for the grandkids), and a day full of appreciation for this country. 

The Third District’s Fourth of July celebrations are some of the best in the state and not to be missed. The annual Salute to Freedom in Jefferson City on the Fourth was a day packed full of fun as usual. From the 5k Freedom Fun Run in the morning, to the classic car show, to the yearly Independence Day Parade, to the Little Mr. & Miss pageant for 4–6-year old’s, followed by the Red, White & Boom fireworks show, it was Americana at its finest. But our state capital wasn’t the only town celebrating this great country of ours this week. Wentzville and O’Fallon also held wonderful Independence Day parades. And while some towns in our district did have to postpone or cancel their fireworks shows due to the drought conditions that have been affecting our area, there were several that were still able to have their shows go on as planned. Everywhere from Fulton, to Columbia, to Lake of the Ozarks had incredible firework displays that were enjoyed by Missourians across the Third District. 

We have so much to be thankful for as Americans. We’re able to live in the freest country on earth because of the members of our military and their families sacrifice so much. While we were celebrating the independence our servicemembers allow us to have, many of their families had to celebrate without their loved ones who were serving either at home or abroad. Our independence was won by patriots with a love for freedom 247 years ago, and we’re so fortunate to have Americans who sign up to continue defending that freedom every day. We’ve also lost many heroes in the line of duty who sacrificed their own lives protecting their country, and I hope you’ll join me in keeping these heroes and their families in your thoughts this week. 

As Americans, we may not all have the same political points of view, but the freedom to voice those opinions is part of what makes this democracy great. Washington, D.C. can make it seem like the country is more divided than united, but I think there is more common ground to be found than what gets talked about on cable news. Republicans or Democrats, we’re all Americans at the end of the day and celebrating Independence Day is our yearly reminder that we are in fact, the United States of America. Wishing you a belated happy Fourth of July and many more fun days of summer.