Recognizing the United States of America

Floor Speech

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Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United States of America's 250th anniversary.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, announcing our sovereignty as a Nation and proclaiming the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While our country has often failed to live up to these ideals, through the work of many courageous Americans, we have made slow but steadfast progress toward our shared goal of a country that truly embodies liberty and justice for all.

Across our fifty states and many diverse communities, our country has countless proud traditions and accomplishments. For myself, as a high- risk youth who grew up in Jefferson County, Colorado. I know personally what is possible in this country when we invest in people and give them the resources they need to succeed. As a lifelong Coloradan, I was raised with a deep appreciation for our outdoor spaces and public lands. Our country's people and places are what make the United States so special. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, I am struck by the ingenuity, generosity, resilience, and bravery of my fellow citizens, both past and present, who have helped shape what it means to be an American and encourage our country to strive for the better angels of our nature.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, I celebrate our country's 250th anniversary. With an eye to how we can learn from our past, I am excited and hopeful as we move forward into a new period in our country's history.

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