Independence Day

R. Gary Harrison

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If you ask me what keeps me up at night, I could easily jump to supply chain issues that we have been facing for the past few years, the possibility of a major hurricane this summer or fall, or the crazy fluctuations in natural gas we have seen over the past two years and the effects that it has on rates. But as we approach Independence Day, I just want to pause and take a moment to think about the great country we live in. We are not perfect, but we are still the greatest democracy in the world.

When you look back, our origins are very interesting. I can remember reading the book 1776 by David McCullough and it shocked me how ill prepared we were for independence. Although George Washington is remembered for being the first President of the United States, his leadership as General Washington over a newly formed militia fighting against the greatest military in the world at that time was amazing. In early 1776, many thought that the fight for independence was a futile effort. However, the resolve and unity of the colonies finally allowed this great country to win the war and become independent, allowing for the creation of this great nation.

With so many people not wanting to break ties with Great Britain, it is truly remarkable to think that Richard Henry Lee from Virginia introduced a motion calling for the colonies’ independence at a Continental Congress meeting on June 7, 1776, in the Pennsylvania State House. The Continental Congress postponed the vote after heated debate and appointed a five-man committee that included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman,

Robert Livingston and Benjamin Franklin to draft a formal statement justifying the break with Great Britain.

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution. Then on July 4, the Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. As most everyone knows, it is impossible to make everyone happy when you are working together as a group. The independence of our nation from Great Britain was no exception. John Adams believed that July 2 was the correct date to celebrate the birth of America’s independence and reportedly turned down invitations to appear at July 4 events.

As the 4th approaches and you start seeing more and more flags flying, I encourage you to reflect on the men and women who have served this nation so selflessly throughout our history. Many of our newer members may not realize it, but your cooperative also has a unique connection to Maxwell/Gunter Air Force Base. Approximately 24 years ago, the federal government decided to privatize the electric facilities on military bases across the country. Maxwell/Gunter was the first Air Force Base to go through the privatization process. Your cooperative, along with Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, our sister cooperative in Prattville, formed a partnership called Cooperative Utility Services, LLC. After an extensive process, we were awarded the opportunity to own and operate the electric facilities on the base and have now been helping the Air Force fulfill its mission in Montgomery for the past 19 years.

Through our work on the base and my local church, I get to meet new groups of military families and wave goodbye to friends that are headed to their new assignments. I have gotten to hear so many stories of great people being sent into harm’s way all over the world with family and children at home awaiting their return. I just want all our past and present military personnel to know how much I appreciate their attitude, service and sacrifice. They are true patriots who love their country and the freedom for which it stands. They help to make this the best country in the world. So, on July 4, as we celebrate Independence

Statement of Nondiscrimination

Day, let us all be sure to remember our current and past military men and women who have worked to protect our freedom. After all, freedom isn’t free.

I hope you all have a happy and safe Independence Day.  Gary Harrison is President/CEO of Dixie Electric Cooperative, a member-owned electric utility serving more than 26,000 businesses and homes in portions of eight Alabama counties.

Dixie Electric Cooperative is the recipient of federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and is subject to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age of Discrimination Act of 1975.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.