As we approach July 4, it is difficult not to think of the various events that have led us to where we are today. We are directly in the middle of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in this country, a period of time (1861-1865) that distinctly helped set the stage for our nation’s future. The 21st Senatorial District has a special history with the War Between the States as home to the Battle of Lexington.

The first Battle of Lexington is also known as the Battle of the Hemp Bales, named after a bounty of major export product located in a local abandoned warehouse that provided cover for the Confederate soldiers seeking to gain access to the Union fortifications and armaments. Resourceful men soaked the dense bales in the water of the Missouri River overnight and, in the morning, began rolling those bales up the hill toward the over-confident enemy. With the thickness of the hemp and the water, flaming-hot cannon shot wouldn’t go through the bales, nor set them on fire, as was the typical expectation.

Remnants of this battle can be seen in and around Lexington, the county seat of Lafayette County. The Anderson House is a state historical site for its inclusion in this famous battle. There is still a cannon ball buried in a pillar outside the Lafayette County Courthouse to bear witness to the events of Sept. 12-19, 1861. The second Battle of Lexington took place three years later, in October 1864, just a few days after the Confederate victory in the Battle of Glasgow in Howard County. These are just a few of the examples of the significance of the 21st District on Missouri’s and our great country’s history.

As we gather with friends and family to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, I hope everyone has a safe and fun time. Remembering a few simple fireworks safety tips will help make sure no one gets hurt. Please keep on mind that fireworks are not toys. Children should not be allowed to play with fireworks and only set them off under direct adult supervision. Fireworks should not be aimed at anyone, nor should they be lit indoors for any reason. Douse used fireworks in a bucket of water to make sure they are completely extinguished. If an injury should occur, please take the victim to the hospital immediately. Some fireworks contain chemicals that continue to burn even when they look extinguished. Some simple rules and common sense will keep many of us safe over this upcoming holiday weekend.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many men and women in the 21st Senatorial District that have given up time from their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy as U.S. citizens. Without brave folks such as these, this country would not stand tall in this world as a bastion of freedom and democracy. I wish you a safe and happy Independence Day celebration. If you can, take a moment out of your day to show your appreciation to an active service member or a veteran for their sacrifices. Enjoy this celebration, and while taking in the sights and sounds and camaraderie of the holiday, spare a thought for folks who won’t be home to spend the day with their families. Those men and women are the reason we get to celebrate at all.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.