U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) speaks about the important role government transparency plays in preserving our American heritage in a special Independence Day video address.
Read his remarks below:
Today the United States of America celebrates our nation’s independence. Americans will gather with family, friends and neighbors to honor our heritage of freedom and liberty in hometowns across this great nation.
Our American way of life got its start 242 years ago, on July 4, 1776. That’s the day our nation’s founders declared independence and adopted our founding charter. The sovereignty of this new nation is premised on the natural rights of individuals.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident. 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.”
The thirteen original colonies have expanded to 50 United States, growing to 325 million people. Without a doubt, America has had growing pains along the way. And yet, for more than two centuries, we have persevered. We are bound by shared values and moral principles that launched the American experiment. From the 18th century through the 21st century, our shores represent a beacon of promise and prosperity. We cherish the blessings of freedom, liberty and opportunity from sea to shining sea.
As your U.S. Senator, I am a guardian of limited government – conducting robust oversight to secure transparency and accountability – so that we may pass our prized heritage of self-government from one generation to the next.
However you choose to celebrate Independence Day, whether you enjoy a parade, backyard barbeque, neighborhood potluck, a ball game or a fireworks display, let’s also pay tribute to the men and women who serve our nation in uniform. From the U.S. Armed Forces to our community first responders, we owe a debt of gratitude to those who answer the call to keep us safe and so that we may live free.
Have a safe celebration and May God Bless America.