Preserving our Freedom
Preserving our Freedom Mullin By Markwayne Mullin Thu, 07/07/2022 - 16:34
On July 4th, 1776, our Founding Fathers daringly took steps of defiance to separate the colonies from the British monarchy and tyrannical government. They had a vision of a nation governed by the people, for the people.
Their idea of self-governance was seen as unimaginable at the time, and many thought they would fail. Nevertheless, our Founding Fathers and our nation's earliest patriots risked their own lives and those of their families in order to publicly declare and fight for their independence from the world's strongest empire. They knew freedom would always triumph over tyranny.
Though the Declaration of Independence laid the foundation for our freedoms, it is the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who fought to preserve them. It is their courage and sacrifice that allows us to live in the greatest country in the word.
Oklahoma is home to more than 300,000 veterans. While their sacrifice is a debt too great to ever repay, we can remain relentless in our attempts. High quality, accessible health care for our veterans is a great place to start.
With news that the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee will remain open, it is an answered prayer for veterans across Eastern Oklahoma who rely on the facility for their primary care.
The Muskogee VA currently serves over 52,000 veterans across 25 counties in Eastern Oklahoma. The facility will soon celebrate its centennial, having provided nearly 100 years of service to our veterans. This center is crucial for our veterans from rural communities who do not have the luxury of traveling hours to Tulsa for care. I want to extend my gratitude to those who advocated for the facility to remain open and who devoted their time and effort towards this cause.
After the fireworks, trips to the lake, and family barbeques, it is imperative we recognize and remember those who have worn, and continue to wear, the cloth of our nation. As Independence Day comes and goes, may we always carry the patriotic spirit with us in everything we do.
