It’s been a rough start to the summer of 2024, as many in Rock County have suffered the effects of devastating flooding.
Some of us are reeling from crop losses, water-damaged homes and other flood-related disaster, and the realities of extreme weather are coming into focus.
While it’s easy to get discouraged, the July 4 holiday is a good time to recenter life perspectives. Despite our recent disasters, we still enjoy the best quality of life among most nations in the world by many measurements.
On Friday, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) reminded us why we celebrate Independence Day and why we’re grateful for our freedoms.
Following is her statement:
As we mark the Fourth of July, we honor our country’s founding and come together to celebrate democracy and the promise of the American dream.
Throughout the centuries, Americans have fought and given what President Lincoln called ‘the last full measure of devotion’ for our inalienable rights and freedoms.
These rights and freedoms — and our constant drive to create a more perfect union — are what define our nation.
Minnesotans are able to gather with friends and family for barbecues, parades and fireworks because of the brave men and women in uniform who defend our country.
We thank the members of our Minnesota National Guard who always answer the call to serve. We’re seeing this in real time as they support the flood relief efforts across our state.
And we thank our reservists who are ready to drop everything to defend our country.
This Fourth of July let’s celebrate the freedoms we hold dear and remember that we can never take these freedoms for granted.
Today and every day, let us recommit to writing the next chapter in the story of America.”