Happy Fourth of July

This weekend we gather with neighbors, friends and family, march in parades, fire up grills, enjoy fireworks, and join citizens across the Commonwealth and country in raising our American flags to honor the patriots who envisioned and risked everything to secure our nation’s independence.

At the same time, we take a moment to reaffirm the fundamental truths that this nation stands for: that all men are created equal and that we are endowed by our Creator with the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  And we pause to appreciate and remember our American heroes who have fought and died, across the oceans and through the generations, to protect this nation and those truths.

  Independence Day should remind us that freedom is not free; that we must always thank and honor our veterans, and pray for the safe return of those currently serving our country in uniform. 

  The nation that great Virginians like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Patrick Henry envisioned 235 years ago has become the greatest the world has ever known. A beacon of freedom shining across the seas, her prosperity is unrivaled, generosity unparalleled, and freedoms unequaled.  Please thank a veteran, serviceman or service woman this weekend for helping to secure that freedom, and please take a moment to celebrate America’s exceptional 235 years, with the comfort of knowing that our best days are always ahead.

  Sincerely,