WASHINGTON, D.C. — As we celebrate Independence Day, I always like to reflect on how very blessed we are to live in America.

The American flag is the symbol of our freedom – throughout wars, hard times, terrorist attacks – the flag is what gives us hope, inspiration and reminds us of the sacrifices made over the past 233 years for our liberty. Our American flag should be honored, respected and revered.

I cannot fathom why any American would kneel at the National Anthem much less burn our flag.

Recently, I signed on as a cosponsor to H.J Res. 65, a bill that would propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States giving Congress power to prohibit the physical desecration of the American flag.

We have so much to be proud of today.

I am thrilled about how well our country is doing under President Trump. Our economy is thriving. People are back at work and have good-paying jobs. Our military is being rebuilt and America is once again respected in the world.

Regardless of one’s political views, we all should take pride in America. We should be able to disagree respectfully while putting America first. There is no better example of this need than the crisis we face at our Southwest border.

Massive waves of illegal immigrants are overwhelming the resources of our brave Border Patrol agents. Instead of acknowledging this crisis and working together to resolve it, House Democrats refuse to lift a finger. My bill to provide the $4.5 billion President Trump requested to help with just the humanitarian relief has been rejected 17 times by House Democrats as of writing. By not agreeing to this bill, Democrats are hurting the very people they claim to want to help and jeopardizing our sovereignty.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, let’s remember America is strongest when we are together as a people and that freedom is not free. God Bless America!

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers is a Republican from Saks.