As we gather together to watch fireworks, hold picnics, and enjoy the unofficial beginning of summer, let us not forget what our nation has faced to reach this Independence Day. Our nation was built through the blood of patriots and the sacrifices of our citizens.
We have men and women today that continue to sacrifice so that we may continue to possess the freedom we celebrate. While we retreat to swimming pools and local lakes to beat the heat, the men and women of our military endure the hottest heat of the desert. While we fire up our barbeque grills for steaks and burgers, those fighting for us in foreign lands dine on prepackaged meals that resembles Styrofoam. The men and women of our armed forces even pay the ultimate sacrifice in defense of liberty, so that we may live in a free country.
Freedom is constantly under attack. As Americans, we often lose sight of the battles waged to maintain our liberty. On this day our nation sets aside to remember our freedom, let us not forget what it took to get here.