Happy Independence Day, Jack!

Today marks the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, renouncing British rule and forming a new government eager to adopt democracy and define freedom for its citizens. But our struggle for freedom is more than a single historical event. We are still striving to ensure the promise of America is not reserved for a select few.

We have fought to expand the freedoms originally meant only for land-owning white men. Through years of hard work, women, BIPOC, and the LGBTQ+ community have won their rights and brought our nation closer to its goal of a more perfect union.

But over the past few days, we saw many of the rights we have fought so hard for threatened and repealed. We have so far to go before we can fully live our values of liberty, equality, and justice. We simply cannot allow ourselves to go backwards.

Today’s celebration is bittersweet, but our country has come so far since our founding, and I know we will again bend towards justice. These ideals are what make our country great, and they are what still make me so proud to be an American.

Have fun and stay safe,

Maggie Toulouse Oliver

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