Celebrating Independence Day
It is hard to believe, but we are already nearing the halfway point of summer. While your summer plans may look different from last year, I hope you are staying safe and enjoying time with your family and friends.
This Saturday marks Independence Day, a day when our country comes together to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. On July 2, 1776, members of the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Britain, and on July 4, those delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. Written by Thomas Jefferson, this document expressed the colonies’ desire to be independent from Britain and listed specific grievances against the British crown.
Each delegate recognized the danger of signing the declaration, knowing it would be considered an act of treason against the British crown. However, they also knew they would never be truly free if they continued to be British subjects, ruled by a monarch from across the Atlantic Ocean. Our founding fathers realized that in order to create “a more perfect union,” they had to break away from the British crown and fight for their ideals in order to become an independent nation.
I believe the preamble of the declaration perfectly summarizes the ideals of our country.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
The founders of our country fought for a democratic and representative form of government, a form of government rooted in the rights of its citizens. As Americans, it is up to us to honor that centuries old fight that continues today. Lately, our nation has faced many challenges. From disease to rioting, we have seen the best and the worst of our fellow countrymen. Our nation will continue to address these issues head on, and I believe it is up to each one of us to stand up as proud Americans and ensure we become a stronger nation.
Fireworks Safety
For many Americans, Fourth of July celebrations include barbeques, parades and fireworks. This time of year, it is especially important to remember the basic principles of fireworks safety. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2017, more than 12,000 people required medical treatment as a result of fireworks, with an estimated 1,200 of those incidents involving small firecrackers and sparklers. If you choose to use fireworks at home, please follow these simple safety tips:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks;
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision;
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol;
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear;
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands;
- Never light them indoors;
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material;
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person;
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting;
- Never ignite devices in a container;
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks;
- Soak used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding;
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire; and
- Never use illegal fireworks.
When it comes to fireworks, I believe safety is of utmost importance. If you choose to enjoy fireworks at home, please be responsible and follow the safety tips listed above. For more fireworks safety tips, please visit the NSC’s website, or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website.
The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays because it is a great opportunity to step back and appreciate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. I hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend.
Please visit Sen. Burlison’s official Missouri Senate webpage at senate.mo.gov/burlison for more legislative and constituent resources.