Only 231 short years ago our nation began from the dedication, sacrifice and beliefs of our founding fathers that the original United Colonies were, and of Divine Right, meant to be Free and Independent States. From those beliefs, they put pen to paper as stated within our Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Many called the American experiment a "new order of the ages." Soon the colonies became a country, the United States of America and the people of America began to send our message of ideals and freedom that created America across the globe. However, not all peoples of the world accept our beliefs. Fortunately, President Roosevelt was staunch in his commitment to liberty. As dictatorships reached out to strangle the free world, Roosevelt declared that America must be "the great arsenal of democracy". He also recognized that freedom has a price as America and her allies rose to the challenge and defeated our enemies on a global scale. A few years later at his Inauguration in 1961, President Kennedy told the nation, "In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger." Today, America, her friends and allies face threats far more complex, and far less predictable than those of the past. Therefore, a new generation is called to assume that mantle of responsibility. Within ESGR, we are privileged to support these heroic Americans and their employers as they now step up to meet the new challenges placed before our country. I'm reminded of President Reagan and his favorite illustration of America, that being the 'Shining City Upon A HilF. What the President was trying to illustrate was his vision of America as a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans. A Nation that is blessed with families of all kinds living in harmony and peace, a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity, and if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors, and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. For over 200 years, America still stands strong and true on that granite ridge as her glow continues to hold steady no matter what storm may arise. She's still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for pilgrims and families from all over the world who are hurtling through the darkness toward a light called "Home." We have this because of the sacrifices paid dearly by our military personnel, and those who support them at home: family, friends, and industry. As the primary DoD organization tasked with informing and educating employers and service members about USERRA, I'm proud to say that we in ESGR are working hard to assist those who are dedicated to keeping America free and independent. We understand and appreciate the impact on the employer when utilizing Reservists. As I have said before, I am proud of each of you within ESGR, and thank every one of you for what you're doing to support those employers who have Reservist employees, as well as our Guard and Reserve members. And, we will continue to provide that essential support base across our Nation so that Americans can remain that shining light of freedom and boundless hope for all mankind. To all of you within ESGR, I wish each of you a wonderful, and safe 4th of July Independence Day Holiday. May God Bless you, our military personnel and our heroic Nation