As we honor all Fathers today and the enormous influence they have on our lives, I am reminded of my own dad with whom I shared so many adventures over the years.

A Baltimore native, he developed a passion for hiking and camping in his teens and many of my fondest memories with him are sharing long hikes in the woods together. Brought up in the Quaker tradition, he was a strong believer in the importance of stewardship of our environment and planet, and the values of equality, integrity, and community.

He passed on his values and his deep love and enthusiasm for nature to me and much more. While he was still able to join us on the trail, he loved to call out to whomever was at the head of the column "Lead on McDuff" as a show of support. No one knew who McDuff was, but it was his way of saying we were all in this together.

Whatever you do today to honor Fathers Day, I wish you a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature and the company of loved ones and those you meet along the trail. 

All the best,

Chris

Van Hollen for Senate
10605 Concord St. Ste 202
Kensington, MD 20895
www.vanhollen.org