City of Columbus

July 2, 2018

One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one Nation evermore!  -Oliver Wendell Holmes

During the week of July 4^th, Columbus offers so much in ways to celebrate our independence from the Red, White and Boom festival to neighborhood events throughout the city.

Each person chooses to acknowledge Independence Day differently but ultimately, we are all celebrating the same thing—freedom.

This week my friend, Dave Kolbe, jumped out of an airplane as a way to celebrate his 50^th anniversary of his service to the U.S. Army’s 82^nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It is his first free fall in 48 years.

This jump is more than just a remembrance for him; he is also working to raise funds and awareness for Helmets to Hardhats, an organization that helps to find veterans work in the construction and building industry after they come home – Dave is also a retired union ironworker.

He said, “No matter what area the Veteran served in, the military taught them skills such as safety, taking direction and teamwork, that will help them transition smoothly into the construction and building trade. This influential program both positively impacts our Veterans and introduces jobs into the Columbus economy.”

Dave chose this week to do his free fall for another reason: What better way to help celebrate than by supporting those who serve and have served our country?

Dave said, “The Fourth of July is an extremely important day, but most of the time, the focus is on independence and fireworks. This fall can help honor those serving and our Veterans by reminding everyone that we would not be here without them.”

That is how Dave is choosing to celebrate.

In a time that is so divisive, I ask our residents to realize the impactful role we each play as residents of the United States and of Columbus.

Take time to remember all of our men and women who are serving or have served at home and abroad.

I wish all of you a happy and safe Independence Day!