Downriver Today

Michigan Reps. Beth Griffin (R-Mattawan), Annette Glenn (R-Midland) and Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) shared their thoughts on the Fourth of July and how it was different this year in a series of videos posted on YouTube. 

"The Fourth of July this year is different," the senators said to open their videos. 

Michigan usually hosts fireworks displays and parades to celebrate Independence Day, but this year the state went without many of those traditional celebrations. 

Rep. Beth Griffin | Michigan House Republicans

"Normally, I'd be telling you about local holiday celebrations, but we won't have the normal fireworks or parades," Markkanen said in a YouTube video. 

While the state didn't celebrate as it has in the past, it has been celebrating life in a different way -- by caring for one another, Markkanen said. 

"What is going on this Fourth of July speaks for itself," Griffin said in a YouTube video. "People are caring for their neighbors and their community." 

Glenn also said this year's Fourth of July was very different than it has been in the past. People are focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic and caring for one another during these troubling times. People from all walks of life have stepped up to help their communities. 

"One profession after another has stepped up to serve," Glenn said in her YouTube video. "During the last few months, people have helped each other in so many ways, from tutoring a child to saying a prayer."

While celebrations might not have taken place in the usual manner, Michigan and the U.S. are still able to celebrate the concepts that make us a free nation and people. 

"Almost 250 years have passed since Americans proclaimed that all men are created equal and are endowed by their creator with the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," Griffin said in her video. "We still hold these truths to be self-evident. The circumstances may have changed this Fourth, but our values and concern for all of our neighbors remains steadfast."