Happy 4th of July and the True Modern Day Heroes Among Us

Last month, I was honored to receive three things on the campaign trail.

First, the National Federation of Independent Businesses – the largest organization representing small businesses in the country – awarded me its 2013 Small Business Guardian Award for my work for standing up for entrepreneurs and small business concerns in Georgia.

Second, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce recognized me as its 2013 House Legislator of the Year for my work expanding economic opportunity.

Third, was a simple coin given to me by the Military Veteran Section of the State Bar.

As pleasing as it was to be recognized by two outstanding Georgia business organizations in one month, the most meaningful was the simple coin.  As a representative and Majority Whip, I have worked tirelessly to protect veterans while they are serving – this session for instance I am carrying the Uniform Deployed Parents Child Custody and Visitation Act — and to assist them in their transition back to civilian life.  However, the coin was not given for what I have done in the past on behalf of Georgia Veterans but for what I need to remember when I get elected to Congress in 2014.

There has been a lot of loose talk on the television, the internet, and in political gatherings in the past month about who are modern day heroes on par with our Founding Fathers.  For me, the answer is simple – it is the men and women who have put on the uniform of our public safety, law enforcement, and military who stand ready to protect our families and defend our freedom whenever it is threatened.

It took soldiers to make the Declaration of Independence a reality.  It took a horrible Civil War to create a more perfect union.  It took the Greatest Generation to turn the tide of history and beat back the forces of tyranny and fascism.  It took our Armed Forces standing strong that led to the collapse of communism after a long and bitter Cold War. Today, it takes public safety and law enforcement personnel who every day risks their lives like the brave 19 firefighters in Arizona, and our soldiers, sailors, and marines who have stepped up to face down terrorism wherever it may threaten our way of life to keep us safe and free.

I intend to carry this coin as a simple reminder that my duty if elected to Congress is to always have the back of the men and women in uniform who stand ready to protect and defend us and ensure that they have what they need to get the job done, and that we will not forget them when they return to civilian life.

Happy 4th of July to you and your family!

State Representative Edward Lindsey
Conservative for Congress

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