Happy July 4th, Everyone!

I hope everyone's summer is going well!

This July 4th was spent for my first time in the actual city of Washington, DC. Usually I watch the fireworks from across the Potomac in Arlington, VA. Instead, thousands and I braved the weather to walk the city and celebrate the anniversary of our nation's independence. The firework display - donated by two families - were spectacular!

The president's speech at the Lincoln Memorial included a stunning flyover tribute to each of the five branches of our U.S. Military: the Navy, Air Force, Marines, Army and Coast Guard. It highlighted the role America has played in ingenuity, invention, freedom and medical advancement. The president also spoke of the sacrifices of Americans past and present.

We have so much to be grateful for - not the least of which is the respectful remembrance and celebration of the Founders and their contemporaries who fought - and won - the War for Independence establishing our great country. Happy July 4th, everyone!