U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) issued the following statement in celebration of the Fourth of July:

“As we prepare to spend time with family and friends in celebration of the Fourth of July, it is appropriate to reflect on the words of Thomas Paine who wrote: ‘Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.’ The notion that freedom is not free is exactly what Thomas Paine was talking about more than 200 years ago. So as you celebrate the Fourth of July, please take a moment to remember that no matter how tough times may get and how weary our nation may become, Americans throughout our history have understood that there is nothing more important than our freedom. 

“Have a safe and happy Fourth of July.”

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