Oklahoma,

Imagine where our country would be today without the courage and grit of our Founding Fathers during the events of July 1776. The Declaration of Independence proclaims: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” With these core principles, our Founding Fathers paved the way for our nation’s democracy with one document that continues to shape our country and inspire democracies around the world.

On Independence Day, we reflect on these freedoms and what it means to be an American. As you celebrate the holiday with friends and family, let us remember the men and women who serve in our military, their bravery to defend our freedoms, and let us honor those who are currently deployed.

May God bless you and may God continue to bless our great nation.