Happy Independence Day! Like so many of you, the Fourth of July is something I look forward to every single year. We spend quality time with family and partake in cherished traditions like setting off fireworks, going to a parade, or grilling out back. But what’s most important is remembering why we celebrate this great American holiday – and also the reason we’re able to.

The Founding Fathers changed the course of history when they came up with the then-controversial idea to form a nation with a government run by the people – not the wealthy, kings, or tyrants. But they couldn’t turn this dream into reality by just flipping a switch; it was made possible thanks to the sacrifice of thousands of Americans. They left their families, farms, and businesses behind to take up arms against – and gain independence from – Great Britain, which had the most powerful army and navy in the world. While the end of the Revolutionary War resulted in America gaining independence, the fight to keep our nation free and our liberties secure didn’t end there.

Generations of Missourians have put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms. John Pershing, who was raised on a farm near Laclede, played such an instrumental role in the Allied Power’s victory in WWI that he was promoted to General of the Armies – the highest rank possible. General Omar Bradley, born in a small town in central Missouri, helped lead the U.S. and our allies to victory over Nazi Germany. And it’s no surprise that southeast Missouri has produced numerous Medal of Honor recipients, including Madison County’s Henry Frizzell who fought for the Union in the Civil War, St. Francois County’s Darrell Samuel Cole who lost his life on Iwo Jima in WWII, and Stoddard County’s George Sisler who served in Vietnam.

I’m so proud that Missouri is home to the 509th Bomb Wing, the U.S. Air Force unit that operates the B-2 Spirit bombers that carried out the incredibly impressive strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities. It was a major blow to the evil Iranian regime, which has tried to assassinate President Donald Trump, has killed scores of Americans through its terror proxies, and has called for the “Death of America”. Our country – and the entire world – is a safer place thanks to the heroic Airmen who carried out the strikes. They made our state and nation incredibly proud, and I’m so thankful they came back safely.

Lucian Adams, a WWII Army veteran and Medal of Honor recipient once said, “The legacy of brave men and women who have fought and died for their country is the freedom we enjoy as Americans.” On this Independence Day, I hope you’ll join me in honoring the brave Americans, both past and present, who are the reason America is the greatest, freest country in the history of the world.