Ann and I join all Floridians in celebrating our freedom as Americans and remembering our countrys great heritage this 4th of July holiday. As we spend Independence Day with our family, we are reminded of those who cannot do the same because they have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. This week, we honor those who have served in the past and are serving our country at home and abroad today. Their service and sacrifice has protected and preserved the American dream. We wish all Floridians a safe and joyous 4th of July.
--Florida Gov. Rick Scott
As we prepare to gather with friends and family in celebration of our nations freedoms and blessings, let us remember the enormous sacrifices our citizenry has paid to earn and protect our independence.Our thanks and appreciation must go to the members of our military, past and present, for the last full measure of devotion they gave to establish and preserve our guaranteed rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Let us also use this occasion to recognize the historic nature and tragic loss our country suffered as a fledgling nation during the Battle of Gettysburg. One hundred and fifty years ago this week, our nations path was defined by a battle that turned the tide of the Civil War. Those who fought to preserve our union on that Pennsylvania field fought for a nation where every person, regardless of their station, could pursue their dreams. The exceptionalism our nation demonstrates has and always will be defined by what we are willing to risk for the cause of freedom.
--former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux
In a letter to his wife, Abigail, John Adams wrote, I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means and that posterity will triumph in that day's transactions, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not.
Our nation was forged from the struggles of our founding fathers who had an enduring loyalty to the principle of freedom. They knew that independence was not going to be easy, but it was a cause worth dying for. Their sacrifices, centuries ago, laid the groundwork for future generations of Americans to grow our nation with government by the people, for the people as a guiding light. It is a principle that lives within every American.
This year, as we celebrate the birth of a nation, so new in concept that many believed it was doomed to fail, let us remember the sacrifices made for independence and freedom. Let us remember the magnitude of what those 56 patriots did and the risks they took, so that the generations to come would have a land, free from tyranny, to call home.
--Florida CFO Jeff Atwater
On July 4th we celebrate the founding of our country and the enduring principles on which our nation was founded that still guide us today. Our founders understood the importance of a country that promises its citizens life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Americas fight for independence resulted in a nation strengthened by the idea of freedom and equality for all, which we all hold dear as Americans.
Throughout our history we have moved ever closer to this ideal, but as we celebrate the Fourth of July we must remember that there is more to do. We must continue to work to make the American Dream and all the rights and responsibilities it entails available and accessible to all Americans. We must honor the sacrifice endured by those who came before us by protecting the freedoms for which they fought and continuing to strive for a more equal society.
As we gather with our families and friends, we must also remember and appreciate our men and women in uniform who make sacrifices every day so we can continue to enjoy our freedoms. On this great American holiday, I want to wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July.
--U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla, the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee
