By Mayor Cameron Smyth
Every year, the Fourth of July holiday is filled with parades, professional fireworks shows, barbecuing and other festivities with family and loved ones.
Individuals look forward to sporting patriotic attire and decor while celebrating our great nation’s independence. However, most importantly, each of us must always remember and recognize the heroes who afforded us the opportunity to celebrate our freedom every July 4.
The Fourth of July, as we know it, was established through the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
To celebrate the Declaration, bells were rung and music was played for all to enjoy, thus marking the beginning of annual Independence Day festivities.
Throughout American history, including the time before the Declaration, after it and up to this very day, men and women have fought to protect our freedom so we may enjoy the festivities of the Fourth.
We continue to rely on the heroic efforts of our servicemen and servicewoman to maintain the liberties that we hold dear. Without their hard work and sacrifices, we would not be the great country we are today.
As the festivities and excitement surrounding Independence Day subsides, I ask that you continue to keep our veterans in mind.
These individuals have put their lives on the line for our freedom and it is important we continue to honor them.
Many of those who have served for us, come back home to be met with additional challenges as they transition back to normal life.
Let’s show support in any way possible to help our heroes through these life transitions! Call up a family member who has served, write to someone currently serving, donate to local veteran organizations and more to show you care.
Another way that we can help our veterans is by not participating in illegal firework use. We should all be cognizant that loud fireworks can result in stress and or anxiety for our veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our heroes currently serving, and those who have previously served, deserve our appreciation and respect.
Thank you again to all of the men and women working to protect the independence we enjoy! We support and celebrate each of you on the Fourth of July and every day after for the selfless work you have done to keep us safe.
The City of Santa Clarita is grateful to all of our local veteran heroes, and all of our essential workers who play crucial roles during the COVID pandemic, and every day.
I wish all of you a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Mayor Cameron Smyth is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at [email protected]. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.
