“On this day 150 years ago, the first shots of the Civil War were fired in South Carolina, marking the beginning of four dark years when our nation seemed irreparably divided. Today we commemorate this defining time in our history, recalling the sacrifices by so many Americans, and celebrating the first steps toward ending the stain of slavery and bringing true liberty to all Americans. Nevada joined the Union at the height of that war, and our Battle-Born State will continue to push for equality for all our citizens.

“Today we should also remember that the work of creating the perfect Union envisioned by the founders, and for which those soldiers fought so long ago, is ongoing. Even 150 years later we must continue, as Lincoln said, to dedicate ourselves to the unfinished work for which so many patriots gave their lives: to create a nation rooted in the belief that all people are created equal, and dedicated to making sure they are treated equally in this world.”