This weekend, as you gather with friends and family for cookouts, lawn games, World Cup games, and fireworks, join us in taking a minute to remember what the day is about. In 1776, our founding fathers gathered to declare our independence from England. Fifty years later, two of those men famously died on the same day (John Adams and Thomas Jefferson).
The 4th has seen a lot of other important historic moments: in 1802, West Point opened its doors; in 1817, construction of the Erie Canal began; in 1827, the state of New York abolished slavery; in 1839, Lou Gherig was diagnosed with ALS; in 1997, NASA’s Pathfinder landed on Mars.
This year, let’s take a moment to thank the amazing men and women who serve our country every day in the armed forces, all levels of government, and community organizations.
And, please – don’t forget the sunscreen and to be careful in the heat that will hit some of us (DC-area folks, I’m talking to you!).