Reflecting on our Independence

As a young child, I always looked forward to the 4th of July. Not only was it another day to enjoy my summer vacation from school, but it was a day filled with family and friends, great food, and fireworks. In my young mind, it was a day just for me. The 4th of July is my birthday. It didn’t take long for me to understand that it’s also our nation’s birthday and to recognize the significance that the Revolution has had on all of our lives.


What began as a resolution declaring our independence from Great Britain eventually led to an all-out war, in which many Americans gave their lives in the name of freedom. They were defending a people who wanted justice and a government instituted to secure their unalienable rights endowed upon them by God, including, but not limited to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Today, our nation continues to send our young men and women to uphold the same rights and freedoms fought so hard for back then. As the chair of the Ohio House Veterans Affairs Committee, I’m continually searching for ways that we can make a life a bit easier and more enjoyable for our service members. Why? Because just as it was in the days of the Revolution, our country continues to be a place of opportunity and hope for the world; and we must honor and respect those who defend it.

I’m definitely enjoyed spending the 4^th of July with my family and friends. But while I enjoyed my time with them, the food we had, and many of the same activities we all partake in this time of year, I certainly took time to reflect upon the freedoms gained through our independence, the sacrifices of our military members, their families, and all that the United States represents to the world. It is my hope that, this Independence Day, you joined me in such reverence for our nation’s illustrious past and promising future.