Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the great deeds of our past. We reflect upon the courage and wisdom of our forefathers—of Washington and Jefferson, of Adams and Franklin—and the virtues of the good and faithful citizens who brought victory to the cause of liberty. The people of our country, trusting in “the protection of divine Providence,” wagered all that life holds dear to win independence. The reward of their strenuous efforts, of mind and muscle, is a citadel of freedom where human ingenuity has flourished and produced great prosperity and happiness. Over the past two and a half centuries, Americans have added to their freedom an ethic of industriousness and stewardship, building and investing in the capital markets that were born together with our Nation and continue to propel it forward. May today we celebrate 250 years of freedom with all the pomp and fireworks that are fitting for this great national moment. Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸