Ehrlich on Washington column, July 5, 1999

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 2 1 093 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Ehrlich on Washington Week of July 5, 1999 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. July 4, 1999: A Family Day in More Ways Than One We celebrate America’s independence typically once a year- the Fourth of July. I see the telltale signs as I travel across the district and the State during this time. Cockeysville shop owners proudly fly flags outside their businesses. Families gather for a day of parades in Dundalk and an evening of fireworks in Bel Air. While all these events are important, they do not represent the true meaning behind this day. I believe honoring our independence is a year-round event, accomplished by individuals or the whole family, by simply getting involved. Although the Fourth is a day of celebration, we must not forget the independence for which our nation’s forefathers fought. We honor our country on July 4 because that was the day the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This Declaration paved the way for our Constitution, which stands today as a living document and constant reminder of limited government, personal freedom, and individual rights. Accordingly, these principles constitute the framework in which I work as a Member of the 106th Congress. As you think about the deeper meaning of our nation’s independence this Fourth of July, I encourage you to go that one extra step and think about what you can do to honor our freedom. As individuals, the simplest way is to vote. Voting is the one equal opportunity most people have to select people who will determine the future course of events for our counties, state, and nation. Moreover, voting is one way to demonstrate to our children the importance of our