By Jude Toohey
Orange Republican Town Committee
Jude Toohey
While summer is in full swing and the kids are out of school, many of us are busy looking for ways to keep our families happy, active and healthy.
First, I want to offer big congratulations to every student who reached a milestone this year, whether you graduated from pre-K, kindergarten, grammar school, middle school, high school or college. You are all amazing, and we are so proud of you.
Recently, I read a thoughtful editorial by AMAC CEO Rebecca Weber. It really stayed with me. She reminded us that as we mark America’s 250th anniversary, our nation was built on liberty and the belief that our individual rights come from our creator, not from any government. Our founders designed a constitutional republic to protect those freedoms, and that framework helped America become the remarkable country we love.
Her words made me pause and reflect. Generations before us sacrificed greatly to defend these ideals. Now it is our turn to strengthen and preserve them for our children and grandchildren.
In our own community, that can mean teaching our kids the local history, the love of reading and activities that build real character – not for trophies or future advantages, but simply because we care deeply about one another.
We are truly blessed in Orange. We live in a place where neighbors still look out for each other every day. Yet, like many of you, I sometimes feel concerned when I see today’s pressures working to erode our founding principles. While I remain optimistic about our country’s next 250 years, it does give me pause.
Our own families came to America with very little, often not knowing the language or customs and sometimes facing rejection. But they worked hard, assimilated and held onto the belief that this country offered a better future. I’m especially grateful for the strength of my own grandparents and my dad, who served with the Greatest Generation. Their perseverance built the opportunities we enjoy today.
As we move forward, let us remember that our government exists to serve us – it derives its power from the consent of the people. Freedom is not free. It asks something of each of us: knowledge, respect for one another and the ability to disagree without tearing each other down.
Let’s teach our children how truly special this country is, that with faith, hard work and perseverance, nothing is impossible.
We each have a hand in writing the next chapter of America. May we do it with gratitude, courage and love for the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.
God bless you all, God bless our wonderful town and God bless America.
Jude Toohey is the vice chair of the Orange Republican Town Committee.