EASTPORT, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement in honor of the 4^th of July. Senator King will celebrate the holiday by marching in the Grand Independence Day Parade in Eastport, and then he will join local officials for the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at the newly-rebuilt Eastport breakwater. Eastport is home to the largest Fourth of July festival in the state of Maine.

“Today, as communities across America come together to honor our national holiday, we remember with pride those who braved enormous peril to conquer tyranny and found a new nation based upon the enduring principle of freedom.

“And though our country was borne out of rebellion, we also know that it survives through unity. While we are all afforded the gift of individual liberty, it takes a collective effort to defend the personal freedoms we hold dear. Every man and woman who has worn our country’s uniform in defense of our nation has the gratitude of the American people. And as thousands continue to sacrifice to safeguard our freedoms across the globe, we extend to them our deepest thanks.

“So as we walk together today in Eastport and as we gather with family, friends and loved ones, we don’t just celebrate our independence, we renew our commitment to one another and to the ideas upon which our country was founded and reflect upon all that makes our country great.”

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