Celebrating America’s Independence Day

July 4th marks the 240th anniversary of the United States’ declaration of its independence from England. Facing impossible odds, our fledgling nation took up arms in the name of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Today, we celebrate these ideals of liberty and life with fireworks, bar-b-cues, and the company of friends and family. We must never forget, however, the battle for freedom is ongoing.

This Fourth of July, after the fireworks grow dim and the parades have passed, I urge my fellow Texans to pause and appreciate the enormity of our country's accomplishments. We are so blessed to live in a nation where we can all pursue happiness, in safety and freedom. I’m especially grateful for the heroic sacrifices of our service members, who have so valiantly fought and died for the principles laid down by our Founding Fathers: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

I wish y’all a very happy and safe 4th of July.

God bless you all, God bless Texas and God bless the United States of America.