News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
Assembly Office:
933 Legislative Office Building • Albany, NY 12248 • (518) 455-3751
District Offices:
607 West Washington Street • Suite 2 • Geneva, NY 14456 • (315) 781-2030
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, July 3, 2015
Contact: Emily Palumbos, (315) 781-2030
Fourth Of July In The Finger Lakes
Legislative column from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua)

This weekend we celebrate one of our most important and popular national holidays, as we recognize the birth of our nation and the freedoms that make America the greatest country in the world. The Fourth of July honors the independence, liberty and bravery upon which our nation was built.

Whether you attend a parade, a neighborhood barbecue or enjoy a fireworks display, participating in the festivities surrounding Independence Day is a great way to demonstrate our American pride. Gathering with friends, family and community is part of a great tradition - but those festivities don't have to be the only part.

BE PROACTIVE WITH YOUR PATRIOTISM

Independence Day should be more than just a holiday party. This is also the perfect time to take an extra step and make a small contribution to show your love for our country. Just like our servicemen and women have done for generations, thousands of American soldiers will spend this holiday overseas. They will put themselves in harm's way defending freedom in foreign countries, far from family and friends.

You can assist our troops by participating in the Blue Star Mothers "Summer for Soldiers - Beat the Heat" drive. Blue Star Mothers of America provides goods and services to deployed troops and their families here at home. During the summer months, soldiers overseas receive fewer packages. Your support helps greatly.

The Blue Star Mothers New York Chapter #1 in Canandaigua accepts donations Monday through Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Blue Star Canteen, located on the grounds of the Veterans Administration Hospital. A complete list of needed items can be found at http://storage.cloversites.com/canandaiguabaptistchurch/documents/BlueStarMothers.pdf.

TRADITIONAL FESTIVITIES HIGHLIGHT THE HOLIDAY

Once again, there are many local activities, festivities and celebrations to enjoy around the region. I am honored to be marching in the annual Canandaigua parade down Main Street. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and is followed by a picnic at Kershaw Park. Later on, live music and fireworks over the lake will highlight the night. A list of events around the Finger Lakes region can be found by visiting their Web site.

Whatever your plans may be, I hope you enjoy the holiday weekend and display your American pride on our nation's birthday. President John F. Kennedy once said, "We dare not forget that we are the heirs of that first revolution." The Fourth of July is our annual reminder of that. I wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July. God bless America.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.