On this Independence Day weekend, I offer a message of reflection, encouragement, and patriotism.
The Fourth of July represents our Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. This is a time to remember with gratitude those who have fought for our independence, and to thank our founders for the vision and framework they created. It stands the test of time.
Auburn, like America, thrives today thanks to the immigrants and freedom-loving people who came here looking to build a better life and a strong, safe community. The people here - those who choose to make this their home and those who were born and raised here - work tirelessly to build upon their legacy, and we share that same hope and yearning for something better. We strive to strengthen our great city, state, and nation so that our children have an “America the beautiful” which is full of possibility and promise.
This July 4th, though we will not enjoy our usual festivals and parades and fireworks together, I encourage you to take heart. Enjoy your family and the peace that comes with freedom. And pause to remember the heroic men and women of our US Armed Forces who helped make that freedom possible.
“America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” ~Harry S. Truman
America is still a work in progress, and we still believe that our founding principles are relevant and necessary. We still believe that the United States is like no other place on Earth and we believe that the ideals of justice, freedom, security, prosperity, and equality matter. And if you’re like me, you believe that Auburn is the best small city in America.
On behalf of the City of Auburn, I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe Fourth of July!