Cord Byrd: “next Wednesday is July 4, Independence Day, the grand national celebration of our Nation's beginning. The Senate and the…”

“next Wednesday is July 4, Independence Day, the grand national celebration of our Nation's beginning. The Senate and the House of Representatives will be quiet, in recess so that Members can join in Independence Day celebrations around the country with constituents, families, and friends. On July 4, summer is approaching its zenith. The days are hot and sunny. Water in all forms lures children into the heat--in the country, shady streams offer relief; in urban areas, fountains or even fire hydrants answer the call, while across the country, swimming pools offer watery fun with an accompanying musical soundtrack of splashing and laughter. Even summer thunderstorms do their bit to cool things down while displaying nature's power and majesty as the lightning cracks and the thunder booms. Fourth of July celebrations are a wonderful time to glory in all that is good about the United States. Flags and fireworks, picnics and parades, mellow afternoons and martial music--everything about Independence Day is grand. As we join together to remember the bravery that led our Founding Fathers to draft the Declaration of Independence, the long struggle to win our freedom, and the enlightened wisdom that resulted in our unique and wonderful Constitution, the love of our Nation that is the true spirit of patriotism is renewed.”