"Good morning, this is Congressman Rick Allen, wishing you and your family a happy Independence Day as we celebrate a generational milestone: our nation’s 250th birthday

"Two and a half centuries ago, a group of courageous patriots gathered in Philadelphia and declared the birth of a new nation. What began as a revolutionary idea became the greatest experiment of freedom and self-government that the world has ever known—a nation founded on the principles of liberty, the rule of law, limited government, and the belief that all people are created equal.

"As Americans, today should be a day of reflection. The 250th anniversary of the United States is not just a birthday celebration. It is a reminder of our responsibility as citizens. The freedoms secured by our Founders, defended by generations of servicemembers, and strengthened by hardworking Americans are not guaranteed. Each generation must protect and preserve them for the next.

"On this historic day, may we recommit ourselves to the principles that unite us as Americans as we continue our work to form a more perfect union. The story of America has never been easy, it has always been extraordinary, and it is still being written. May God bless you and God bless the United States of America."