HENRICO, V.A. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement to mark the Fourth of July weekend.

“On July 4, 1776, our founders committed their lives, fortunes, and sacred honors to the creation of a new nation — established as a land in which democracy and freedom could take root and one day flourish.

“246 years later, we have a responsibility to realize the values they laid out — liberty, equality, justice, and the rule of law. And when these principles are under threat, we have a responsibility to use our time, talents, and energy to defend this ongoing experiment and build a stronger future for the next generation of Americans.

“We also have a responsibility to remember the sacrifices of those who fought to protect these principles. At parades and ceremonies across Virginia, we will proudly honor the generations of brave men and women who have defended — both at home and abroad — the ideals that continue to shape our United States. Our active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and military families represent the best of our Commonwealth.

“Over the course of our short history, America has led by the power of her example, charted the course of world events, and — even in moments of great contention and conflict — worked to build a more perfect union here at home, for everyone. As an American people, we are the authors of the next chapter in this unfinished history book. I hope all Virginians are able to spend time with their loved ones, reflect on our enduring democratic experiment, and prepare for the writing ahead of us.”

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