Senator George Runner
Serving the 17th District which incorporates portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties.

As we celebrate this Independence Day with family and friends, let’s keep in mind the true cost of freedom. The traditional fireworks and backyard barbeques enjoyed by all Americans are possible thanks to our men and women in uniform, past and present.

It has always been the American warriors that have dedicated their lives to protecting our independence.

During this celebration of our national heritage, let us not forget it was the colonial soldiers who gallantly fought the British during the American Revolution. It was the U.S. Marines who fought in the trenches of Europe during World War I and it was American sailors who deftly won the Battle of Midway in the Second World War.

Our troops have fought in the mountains of Korea and the jungles of Vietnam.

Today, our military personnel are again fighting for freedom in the streets of Fallujah, in the mountains of Afghanistan and in oceans around the world – and while they will not be on American soil to celebrate our nation’s birth, our thoughts and prayers will be with them as they continue to fight for freedom.

Happy Independence Day to you and your family.