Greetings! I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. It has been great to be back in the district, spending much-needed time with my family and getting around the community to find out what issues are top of mind for constituents that need to be addressed next year. I hope to meet with many of you next week as our area celebrates the Fourth of July.

This time of year holds a special place in my heart as an elected official. I am proud to live in a state and country where every person has a voice in the future, and it is not lost on me the great weight that comes with having a significant number of people check the box next to my name at the ballot box. I also make sure to pause and remember the great many risks and sacrifices that it took to give us the independence we have today.

From the moment the 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence to today, the United States of America has been a beacon of freedom for the world. In just 248 years since that day in Philadelphia, a relatively short period in world history, the United States has become the most powerful country in the world. I believe this is due to the emphasis on preserving these basic tenets for everyone: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The birth of America started with the desire of these fundamental rights. If we continue to make them a priority, I have no doubt we can overcome all obstacles, philosophical chasms and external attacks.

So as we celebrate next week with float trips, barbecues and fireworks, I hope you also remember why July 4th is so important and the value of freedom. I also encourage you to take a moment and honor the men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedom and spread the American dream across the globe.

From my family to yours, have a happy and safe Independence Day!

It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.