July 4, 2013

Dear Friend,

Happy Independence Day! Whether you are celebrating the Fourth of July with a family picnic, a local parade, or simply enjoying some time away from work with your friends and loved ones, I hope you will join me in giving thanks for the freedom and liberty we hold so dear, and for those who continue to serve every day to protect those freedoms.
 
Please take a moment to read the short piece below, which I wrote in this morning's Eden Prairie News on the importance of Independence Day.
 
God bless America!


Erik Paulsen
Member of Congress

Remembering the meaning of Independence Day

By Rep. Erik Paulsen | July 4th, 2013

Every year on Independence Day, we celebrate the freedom we are blessed with and memorialize all those who have fought to provide and defend the liberty we hold dear. This July 4, as we celebrate Independence Day with barbeques, picnics and parades, it is important that we not forget the brave men and women that still make great sacrifices so America may remain the greatest nation on earth.

Since the American War for Independence, our country has engaged in numerous battles and conflicts around the world to foster democracy, playing key leadership roles in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. Just as our Founding Fathers were ordinary citizens who defended life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, our nation’s heroes are ordinary Americans who make extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of us all and should not be forgotten.

One such example in our community is World War II veteran Jerry Nauss, a native Minnesotan and true American Hero. After enlisting in the U.S. Army shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Jerry served as a wire troubleshooter and risked his life time and time again to ensure communication lines remained intact. Jerry led a distinguished military career and exhibited bravery on the beaches of Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and all across Europe. He was recently named a “Knight of the Legion of Honor” by French President François Hollande, the highest military decoration in France, commemorating remarkable military service. Jerry is one of many heroes in our community. Minnesota has a proud heritage of service in our armed forces, and thousands of Minnesotans continue to serve across the globe.

As we work to protect our service members currently in harm’s way, we must also be sure we help those who are returning to our community. I recently partnered with the U.S. Army in holding a job fair to help Minnesota veterans, who are looking for work, connect with potential employers. Our service members have gained valuable skills in such fields as medicine, engineering, problem solving, and leadership. Their inclusion in our workforce will bring invaluable depth and experience to our workplaces.

The celebration of America’s independence gives us an opportunity to not only see friends and family, but also to remember the courage and patriotism that so many men and women have shown defending this country. We must continue to offer support for our soldiers and their families by every means possible. All of us owe a huge debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served our country – including those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, so that we are able to celebrate our freedom this Independence Day.

READ the entire article online here.

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