Thank you to the sponsors of the Fourth at the Fountain Independence Day event -- the Town of Fountain Hills, AMVETS, Elks USA and Brokers Alliance. Thank you to all of the organizers and workers at the event.

Thank you to all who joined with friends, neighbors and family to make this a great community event. Thank you for the long-awaited and welcome return of a grand fireworks display to Fountain Hills and the patriotic music which accompanied it.

Thank you for this wonderful reminder of why we celebrate the 4th of July. It’s more than a day off from work, a chance to have backyard BBQ, or an opportunity to take advantage of an “Independence Day Sale” on furniture or electronics. It’s a celebration of who we are as Americans and of the history of freedom which we enjoy and share.

It’s a salute to the vision of the Founders and their courage to pursue that vision. It’s a celebration of the Declaration of Independence, the bold proclamation which gave birth to the United States of America. It’s a celebration of our nation’s principles, and an acknowledgement of those who have dedicated their lives to preserving and defending them.

Thank you for the gift of being an American.