| 4th of July Celebrations & Tragedies
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| In 1776 we declared our independence and set forth to create a more perfect union.
Here, in the 150th Legislative District, I was fortunate to safely and proudly participate in a 4th of July parade in Skippack with my wife, friends, and colleagues. We had a great time waving to the crowds and tossing candy and sweets to children. As a community, we were able to come together, set aside differences, celebrate our country's birth, and honor the sacrifices made to assure our freedom. This was not the same for the rest of the country.
Highland Park, Illinois has now joined the growing list of communities impacted by a mass shooting that left seven people dead and more than 40 others injured. Sadly, this was not the only act of gun violence that our country witnessed on the 4th of July. In fact, according to the Gun Violence Archive, there were 217 incidents of gun violence alone on the 4th, over a dozen in Philadelphia, including the two police officers who were injured along the Parkway. Both men have been discharged from the hospital and are recovering at home.
As an Air Force veteran who served my country proudly for over 20 years, I have a great love and respect for the United States of America and those who call it home. It is difficult to watch Americans suffer through another violent holiday when we should be celebrating. Gun reform laws, including an assault weapons ban, and supporting our community programs that work to prevent gun violence continue to remain necessary and invaluable.
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