Friend, this Father’s Day, I’m thinking about my children, and the trials my family endured to secure a future for all of us that they would never see.

My grandparents survived World War II shuffled between various labor and concentration camps. When my grandmother discovered that she was pregnant, she was able to sneak a coded message through others to my grandfather at a separate camp, letting him know what he had something to live for. He knew what she meant.

Despite the risk of murder pregnant women faced daily from the Nazi guards, my grandmother gave birth in April 1945 to my mom. And just days later, U.S. soldiers liberated my mom and my grandmother. It is a miracle that my mom was born — and that I am here.

Their resilience, belief in a better future, and the courage of others who helped them, inspire me every day of my life. As the son and grandson of Holocaust survivors, I’ve learned to hold my family close, and raise my two kids with courage, care for others, and intellectual curiosity for the future.

When I talk about my campaign for Governor with my kids, their number one question is how I’ll work to protect our land, air, and water, address climate change, and take action against those who intentionally pollute Colorado’s environment. This is a priority for me because we are leaving this country to them and their future will depend on how we treat the natural resources we depend on today.

Just like my grandparents all those decades ago, I am focused on securing the best future possible for my children. As Governor, I’ll do everything in my power to leave my kids a Colorado with clean air and water, a Colorado where their fundamental rights are protected, and a Colorado with the economic stability for them to raise children of their own.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads out there raising kids and supporting their families in this challenging time. It’s the hardest and most rewarding job out there.

Thank you,

Phil