nod to our district in particular, so we added (fondant) mushrooms as a shoutout to Kennett Square, the Mushroom Capital of the World. I look forward to seeing the finished product, which will be a compilation of the stories and points of pride of communities across the country. (Grey told me the final cake will be as big as a car!) 

park, I have found myself at Valley Forge many times over the years, and have been rewarded with new family memories, spectacular shows of the leaves changing, connection with our community, and, when I have needed it most, inspiration from the revolutionaries who fought for American independence. I am proud to recognize 50 years of Valley Forge National Historic Park as a part of the National Park Service, and to spend time in a place where our earliest citizens fought for our freedoms 250 years ago. 

If you are interested in joining the celebrations at Valley Forge, you can find more information about the 50/250 Celebration: Retreat to Valley Forge and plan a visit here. 

Across Chester and Berks Counties, there are plenty of July 4th festivities for you to enjoy with friends and family. As I have done in previous weeks, I’m highlighting some events where we can celebrate this historic milestone in our district:  

• Wednesday, July 1 to Saturday, July 4: "Parkesburg 250 Carnival," an exciting lineup of events, entertainment, history, and activities for all ages happening at Parkesburg Library all day through July 4th.   
• Saturday, July 4th: “Star Spangled Spectacular” with live music, local food, and fireworks at Berks County Fairgrounds from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.   
• Saturday, July 4th: "East Vincent Township 4th of July Ceremony" honoring those who rest at the East Vincent Revolutionary War Cemetery from 9:00 am to 10:30 am.    
• Saturday, July 4th: “Dare to Declare at Duportail” with patriotic readings, family fun, and musical performance at the historic Duportail House in Chesterbrook from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. 
• Wednesday, July 8th: "Berks County Liberty Bell Event” at the Berks County Services Center at 12:00 pm.  

As you make your plans for the holiday weekend, keep in mind that temperatures in our district are forecast to exceed 100 degrees, which is dangerously hot. Please remember to stay hydrated and look out for each other, especially at outdoor events, and take advantage of the many resources across Chester and Berks Counties to keep cool and safe. 

I know that for some constituents, America's 250th birthday may not feel like the celebration you once imagined. Perhaps you worry we've drifted too far from the values that have long defined our nation. Perhaps the American Dream feels farther away than it should. Or maybe you wonder whether our country still has a place for you and your family. 

I understand where those feelings come from. This is a difficult moment for our country. But America has never been defined by the absence of struggle. It has always been defined by what we choose to do in response. From the very beginning, we have been a nation striving to become more just, more inclusive, and more faithful to the ideals we declared 250 years ago. Progress has never been inevitable. It has always depended on ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things for one another and for our country. That's the America I believe in.

I believe in the 63 new citizens who raised their right hands in Phoenixville last Friday, originally hailing from 17 different countries but all united by the humbling honor of becoming Americans. 

I believe in the 175,000 people in our community who have called or emailed my office since last Fourth of July, some to agree with me and others to disagree, but all because they cared enough about improving our country to participate in our democracy. 

I believe in our veterans and servicemembers who chose to fight for something greater than themselves, and in the military families whose sacrifices make their service possible. 

I believe in the people who keep our community running every single day: the local farmers who grow the food we eat, the teachers who help our children discover who they can become, the doctors and nurses who care for us when we're at our most vulnerable, and the parents working every day to build a better future for their children. The neighbor who shovels your driveway after a snowstorm. The cashier who always remembers your name. The volunteers, coaches, congregations, and chosen families who remind us that community is something we get to build together. 

We are so truly fortunate to live in a country where we are free to build our families and care for our communities, free to work hard and create opportunities for those who come after us, and, when our government falls short of America's promise, we are free to speak up, get involved, and help our country become more faithful to its ideals. 

Yes, we still have work to do, and we always will. That's the story of America. Every generation inherits an unfinished country, and every generation is called to leave it stronger than they found it. That is why America's 250th birthday matters. Not because our history is perfect, but because it reminds us that a better nation has always been ours to build. That is what I'll be celebrating this weekend. I hope you will, too. 

Thank you for the honor of sharing this country with you. Happy Fourth of July!