July 2026 President's Message

July 2026

The time has finally arrived to celebrate our country's 250th birthday celebration! This is a great time to show our patriotism and commitment to our country through our participation, enjoyment, and contribution to this very special time in our country's history.

And how are you planning to celebrate this event? Will you be traveling to visit family or special historical sites? Are family barbecues, visits to beaches, or hiking in our forests in your plans? Will you be attending the World's Oldest Rodeo at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds during the week, or stopping by Prescott Valley's Red, White and Boom celebration or Prescott's Rodeo Parade on Saturday? Does Washington, D.C.'s events or monuments interest you, whether in person or in a televised format?

Whatever is in your plans, let's be sure to show our dedication and pride for this amazing country in which we live. As a presenter at the Prescott Valley Freedom Rock Dedication stated (and I'm paraphrasing): "Let's not just look for the Red, or for the Blue... but let's honor the Red, White and Blue during this time of celebrating 250 years of freedom!"

What has truly captured our nation's attention (mine included!) is the hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup here in the United States. This is the "Olympics" of soccer, occurring every four years, and it is thrilling to watch! While the extraordinary efforts of the athletes are amazing, what has truly been impressive is the patriotism on display by every country participating in this tournament.

Not only do visitors from these nations travel to attend their country's matches, but they are incredibly supportive and devoted to their teams. We have watched the teams enter the field with their respective flags on display, followed by the playing of their national anthems. Talk about patriotism! Supporters in the stands, as well as the team players, are practically shouting the words to their anthems, and it fills the stadium. It's very moving to see this devotion to their countries, the pride in their heritage, and their strong desire to win. And when they lose, it really hurts, especially when they are eliminated and have to go home. It's as if they let their country down! But they rise above it and will come back again to try once more.

On another note, we once again remember our fallen Granite Mountain Hotshots on June 30. This tragedy occurred in 2013, thirteen years ago. A ceremony was held at the Granite Mountain Hotshot Memorial in remembrance, and Prescott Valley has installed a smaller version of the memorial in the Town Center Plaza. We continue to honor their memories every year in recognition of their ultimate sacrifice. It's especially poignant during this time of fire danger and extreme drought, which keeps us vigilant to ensure this does not happen again and to pray for the safety of those currently fighting fires throughout the Southwest and for those threatened by the fires.

As America250 is celebrated this year through various national, state, and local events, let's strive to remember the principles upon which our country was founded and the many sacrifices made throughout our history by our military, our leadership, and our citizens. Proudly display our American flags as a unifying symbol of the freedoms established long ago.

We are at a crossroads in history where we can individually and collectively make a difference. With the Arizona Primary election fast approaching, let's all be grateful for the opportunity to vote and to make our voices heard in a respectful and honorable manner. Commit to supporting our candidates and choosing those who represent our values and principles. Every vote matters!

Once the July 21 Primary is over, let's unite to support our Republican candidates in the General Election. Join me in pledging to vote in 2026, to take back Arizona, and to elect strong conservatives up and down the ballot.

I look forward to seeing you on Thursday, July 2, for another educational, empowering, and memorable event. We are thankful for your continued support of and enthusiasm for Prescott Valley Republican Women!

P.S. If you have read this far, I have a surprise gift for the first three members who approach me at the Thursday, July 2 luncheon and answer the following question:

What is the specific name given to the 250th birthday of the United States?

Provide your answer to me on a piece of paper, spelled correctly, and include your name. Good luck!