PORT ORANGE -- 236 years ago, our nation adopted the Declaration of Independence, thereby securing the many rights and freedoms that Americans through the generations have always enjoyed. We celebrate independence in recognition of the brave founders of our great Republic, who risked their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in the pursuit of liberty.
America has risen from those humble beginnings to become the greatest nation on the planet. We are the world's only remaining superpower and a symbol of hope to the oppressed and the downtrodden, wherever they may be. In fact, what makes America great is that we are a country founded on shared ideals and principles, rather than on common national origin.
We welcome freedom-loving people from every corner of the world to our shores -- in fact, more than the rest of the world combined. This truly is a land of opportunity and we are blessed to call it our home.
I hope you enjoyed your holiday with family and friends. Thanks for reading, and hope you had a happy Independence Day.
State Representative Dorothy L. Hukill can be reached by email at dorothy@dorothyhukill.com or on her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/dorothyhukill.