This week, we celebrate our nations’ independence. At first glance, that sentence seems to make a rather bland statement to describe such a pivotal point in American history.

The colonies were in turmoil in the years preceding 1776 as they gathered the strength and courage to sever ties with the oppressive British motherland. England supplied the colonies with many needed items, but imposed more and more taxes and tariffs on the supplies in order to keep the fledgling nation under control.

By 1774, the situation had become so intolerable that the first Continental Congress was held with the purpose to inform the Royal government of our intention to be set free from its grasp. The Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, was the document that officially set us apart as a free nation, but that event precipitated many wars to follow, and many lives lost, until a peace treaty was signed between Great Britain and the United States in September of 1783.

From the time our country was founded, there have been countless battles to retain the freedom of which our founding fathers dreamed. Today, many of us take our freedoms for granted, not realizing the price that was paid for us to be an independent nation. “Freedom Isn’t Free” is not just a catchy phrase used on bumper stickers – the meaning of those words ring throughout our rich history and should never be forgotten.

It is my hope that you and your families enjoy a happy and safe celebration of Independence Day – and when you see the glare of the fireworks going off in the night sky, take a moment to remember what it all represents.

Always feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments, questions, or issues by calling my office at (573) 751-5713 or by visiting my website at www.senate.mo.gov/brown.

Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.