Marathon Petroleum Company LP is proudly in the business of helping Americans get where they want to go.

On Monday, Americans celebrated the 240th anniversary of our great nation’s independence.

For many Americans, no holiday on the calendar is more significant than the Fourth of July, the day in which we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

A Gallup poll showed that nearly eight out of 10 of Americans (78 percent) will attend a picnic or barbecue.

However, a new Rasmussen Reports national survey finds that 22 percent of American adults did not know that the Fourth of July celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration stated unequivocally: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

These are just a few short words to set guidance for our new nation; yet remain very powerful to this day.

From the humble beginnings of a few small Ohio oil companies banding together in 1887, Marathon Petroleum has evolved into a Fortune 25 company and the nation’s fourth largest refiner. Marathon’s branded fuels have a tagline of “Fueling the American Spirit.”

We strongly believe that how we conduct our business is integral to our bottom line. As a result, we strive to always act responsibly with those who work for us, with our business partners who work with us and in every community where we operate.

Our Core Values state unequivocally: “We value diversity and strive to provide our employees with a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive work environment where they can maximize their full potential for personal and business success.”

Thus the origins of our core values flourished from within the foundation on which our country was built.

We have always worked to make a positive difference in the communities where we have the privilege to operate.

After being named both America’s Best Employer in 2016 and previously being named the Happiest Company in America both by Forbes, we feel we also have something to celebrate and want to share that with you.

All St. John Parish residents will receive a post card in the mail with information about our company as well as a link to be entered to win one of 50 gas cards valued at $50 each.

You can use this link: http://tinyurl.com/hhmyama.

We are so proud to be a part to be a part of this community and value any feedback you can provide.

Keith Hightower is the human resources manager for Marathon Petroleum’s Garyville refinery. He can be reached at thightower@marathonpetroleum.com.