John,

One year ago, I was walking in a parade with the District 28 Democrats. I shook hands, met voters, and joined with Arizonans of all stripes to remember America’s fight for freedom against tyranny.

This year, though many things have changed, I hope you’ll join me in remembering the sacrifice that those American revolutionaries made so many years ago.

When they gathered in Philadelphia, the signers of the Declaration of Independence knew that what they were doing was an act of outright treason against a tyrannical king, but – standing firm in their convictions – they put the following words to paper:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness…”

Many of these men weren’t saints – they owned slaves and limited the freedom of women and those of lower socioeconomic status – but they started our grand American experiment: a centuries-long series of twists and turns and battles to fight for the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans.

These men, all of them immigrants to the New World, began to form a nation. A nation that eventually opened its arms to more immigrants, including a family from India seeking their own iteration of the American Dream. A family that believed anything was possible through hard work, faith, and perseverance. My family.

Forming a nation wasn’t easy, and didn’t end in 1776. Every soldier that served in the Civil War, in the World Wars; every activist of the women's suffrage and civil rights movements; every single American who stood up and said ‘good for some isn’t good enough’ - they’ve all helped move the American experiment forward, one slow step at a time – a long arc, bending towards justice.

I know that you’ll join me today in remembering brave and bighearted Americans – activists and soldiers, from the Revolution to today - whose sacrifices and aspirations have made this nation great.

Please enjoy your and your families’ holiday celebrations safely. Given our COVID-19 pandemic, how about going to the drive-up fireworks show in Scottsdale? Or watching any of our nation’s televised fine displays of patriotism from the comfort of your own home?

The best way to show our patriotism and American spirit is to demonstrate our care and concern for our fellow Americans. Stay home whenever possible, wear a mask in public, maintain social distancing, and stay healthy. Happy 4th of July to all!

Take good care,



Hiral