Happy Independence Day! Published July 1, 2016 By Maj Gen Darryl Burke Air Force District of Washington Commander Joint Base Andrews, Md -- Team AFDW, Happy Independence Day! As we prepare to spend a long weekend with our families and friends, I would like to take just a moment to reflect on why Independence Day is such an important day to us as Airmen and Americans. The tradition of Independence Day goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a resolution with the famous words, "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence. From 1776 until the present day, the 4th of July has been celebrated as the birth of American independence. Our Nation, based on the values of freedom and liberty, has been a beacon of hope for 240 years. There is no other nation in the world so widely diverse, yet so unified, as the United States of America. As you spend time with your families and friends this weekend, please take a moment to celebrate our diversity as Airmen and the important role every past, present and future Airman had and will continue to have in defining American history. Each of you have given in support of this great Nation, and on this day, as a fellow American, I thank you for defending our freedom. Enjoy and have a safe long Holiday Weekend! Best, Sheriff