As we start the holiday weekend, I wanted to wish you and your family a very happy Fourth! Independence Day is a chance to enjoy our family, friends and bring our communities together. Tonight, I’ll be at East Park in Worcester watching the fireworks with family and friends. You can find information below about many of the local celebrations you can attend throughout our district.

The Fourth is also a chance for us to remember what our Independence Day is all about – what happened 241 years ago, and how it changed the world.

On July 4th, 1776, a small group of patriots bravely declared that we are created equal – free to think and worship and live as we please. Ever since that day, generations of Americans have continued to honor that founding promise and fought for our freedom and democracy. From farmers in Concord who took on an empire – to organizers in Selma who fought for equality – we owe a great debt of gratitude to those who have made America stronger by putting others before themselves. In war and peace, hard times and prosperity, that is what makes America great.

Independence Day is also a time to thank the men and women of our military. They have defended us at home and abroad. Putting their lives on the line every day, our servicemembers have fought to protect our freedom and make the world a safer place. We owe so much to all of our servicemembers, veterans, and military families.

So this weekend – between the cookouts and the fireworks – let’s all take a moment to think about how each of us can keep America’s promise alive. There is much more that unites us than divides us. When we come together in friendship and stand up for the values, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

Sincerely,