Today, I salute Independence Day and all who have fought and continue to fight for freedom. Today marks 249 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Since July 4, 1776, the US has grown from 13 colonies with 2.5 million people to 50 states and 14 territories with over 342 million people connected by roughly 5,000 airports, 4 million miles of roads, 140,000 miles of train tracks, and 5.5 million miles of power lines. The economy has prospered to nearly $30T. Public health advances have reduced the child mortality rate to under 1%, and Americans live over three decades longer on average. Meanwhile, homegrown scientific achievements have delivered everything from the light bulb and modern flight to the internet and air conditioning. We’ve also sent over 300 citizen astronauts to space—more than any country. America’s story is still unfolding, with new milestones to reach and new challenges to overcome. Today invites us to reflect on our progress and draw inspiration for the next 249 years, all while saying “THANK YOU for your service to all who have defended America’s freedom.