My July 4th Remarks: For those who call the United States home
I gave these remarks at Sammamish's July 4th celebration this year, our nation's 250th. I'm sharing them here for residents who couldn't make it to the fireworks, and for anyone thinking about what this milestone means for our community. Here is what I said.
250 years ago, 13 individual colonies embarked on an experiment to create 13 united states.
A union created out of oppression. United in the self-evident truth that all men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
This new nation was founded on ideals, novel at the time, and that we’re still striving to achieve to this day.
11 years later, these 13 United States joined together to create a more perfect union, granting power to the government only through its people.
And we are made better because we’re still, and must never stop, striving to create our more perfect union.
This American experiment happened in no small part because of the leadership shown by those not born on this land.
8 of the signers of our declaration of independence were immigrants. After winning an unlikely victory against a great power, 7 individuals signing our constitution were immigrants.
My name is Josh Amato, I’m proud and honored to be the mayor of a city made stronger because of our immigrant community.
We’re all here today celebrating the birth of our nation due in no small part to the immigrants and their children who risked their lives 250 years ago to stand up to tyranny.
As we enjoy our community today, watch the fireworks, and think about where we’ve been in the last 250 years and where we’re going in the next, remember that part of what makes us a great nation is those who choose to call these United States home and embrace the opportunity provided by this union.
Thank you, Deputy Mayor Treen and Councilmember Treen for being here with me today, and to Councilmembers Stuart, Boyer, Lam, and O’Farrell who are out among the crowd.
And to our amazing city staff, police, and firefighters who made this great Independence Day celebration the most popular event every year, and work tirelessly every day in service to our community, thank you.
Happy 250th Independence Day, Sammamish!