July 3, 2013, Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell issued the following statement in observance of the Fourth of July national holiday:

“On this Independence Day, we celebrate freedom. Many patriots fought, and many died, during the birth of our nation. Our founders turned back tyranny and over-taxation. They fought for religious liberty and justice for all. Those early Americans enshrined freedom and opportunity, hallmarks of the United States.

“We owe it to those founders, and to all who have served our country, to preserve our Constitution and our great republic.

“On this Independence Day, on behalf of all Alaskans, we give thanks to the members of our Armed Forces, and all of our veterans who put themselves in harm’s way to defend our freedom. And, we thank our military families for the sacrifices that they make.

“To all Alaskans, have a safe and memorable Fourth of July holiday.”