John,

I’m writing to wish you and your family a fun and safe Independence Day 2021!

Today – on the 245th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress – we celebrate American freedom, and recognize the immeasurable sacrifices made by our Founding Fathers and generation after generation of American patriots to secure and defend it.

When the Continental Congress officially declared the thirteen colonies as united, free, and independent states, we had been at war with Britain for more than a year. It would be several more years until the war came to an end, when General Cornwallis was surrounded and forced to surrender to the Americans at Yorktown in 1781.

The toll paid by the Founding Fathers and colonists was high – with thousands killed, and thousands injured. 

And ever since, the brave men and women who serve in our United States military have defended the liberty and way of life they secured.

On this Independence Day holiday, I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes from President Ronald Reagan:

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

Today, we must remember all of the sacrifices – made by so many – to build and protect the America we know and love.

Again, I wish you and your family all the best as we celebrate Independence Day 2021!

- John

Paid for and Authorized by the Katko for Congress Committee