Hi there, Happy 4th!
Nearly two and a half centuries ago today, our nation began a bold experiment in self-governance. That experiment has always been full of contradictions, but they have rarely been more pronounced than over this past year.
Since we last celebrated our independence, our nation has seen both a record number of citizens making their voices heard at the ballot box and an unprecedented attack on our democracy at the Capitol building. We've seen our fellow citizens rise up to meet this pandemic head-on, and we've witnessed a disturbing rise in violence and discrimination against our AAPI neighbors.
And yet, I am still convinced that what unites us is greater than what divides us. Even in the most polarized times in living memory, we cannot dissolve the political bands that have connected us for almost a quarter of a millennium now. Instead, I believe that we can and must come together to build that more perfect union. This critical moment in our nation's history calls for nothing less.
So, as we all celebrate our nation's founding today, I hope you'll also take some time to join me in considering our future. After all, our Declaration ended with our founders pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to one another. So I think we owe it to each other to pledge to do all that we can to keep this bold experiment alive for all the centuries to come.
Thanks for everything you're doing to keep us moving forward together, and Happy 4th!
-- Andy
P.S. Looking for ways to celebrate today and tomorrow in NJ-03? Here are some great local guides for Burlington County's and Ocean County's festivities. Kammy, the boys, and I hope to see you out there. After a year of lockdowns, we're looking forward to all the fireworks, BBQ, and beach time we can handle today and tomorrow!
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