John --

On Independence Day, we celebrate the grand experiment that defines American democracy. However, we must acknowledge that our democracy isn't guaranteed; we cannot take it for granted.

As the daughter of an 82nd Airborne soldier who risked his life to defend democracy, my lineage extends further: I am the granddaughter of a merchant marine who also served this cause. Additionally, I carry the legacy of one Native American great-grandfather who grappled with the loss of indigenous land and opportunities, another who was born within years of the emancipation, worked as a sharecropper, who was always seeking the true essence of freedom, and another an Irish settler who sought a better life in this nation.

The richness of these diverse histories of all of our ancestors within us compels us to remain committed to defending democracy, protecting this ongoing experiment, and standing against hatred. We must continually improve and ensure that our democracy reflects the best aspects of human nature rather than the worst, honoring our ancestors and their dreams of freedom and opportunity.

Remember that one of the most powerful ways to participate in this experiment is by exercising our right to vote. Voting ensures that our voices are heard, our values are represented, and our democracy thrives. Let us honor those who fought for our freedom by actively shaping our nation's future through the ballot box. This act embodies the essence of America.

- Senator Britnee Timberlake
https://www.electtimberlake.com/