In a few minutes, my family is heading out to celebrate the 4th of July with some of our extended family.

The 4th is one of those days that we celebrate with food, parades, fireworks, and more. It's a celebratory holiday with few somber moments. It's the national highlight of summer.

While the 4th is a celebration of a single day and the ideals connected to that day, to me it is also a recognition of what has allowed us to continue to celebrate it for the last 248 years.

Some of my ancestors directly participated in the American Revolution. I don't know much about these people, other than that they exist. They and their families sacrificed and suffered so that we can celebrate today.

More personal to me is my grandfather who was a mortar crew member in the 3rd Marine Division during WWII. My other grandfather was drafted after WWII and was stationed in the Philippines. My aunt, uncle, and dad all served in the Army during the Vietnam War, with only my uncle serving in combat (1st Air Cav). I have friends who fought in Iraq. Today my son serves as a member of the Army National Guard.

So while I celebrate the birth of our nation today, I also remember and celebrate those who raised their hands to serve and the sacrifices their families made. Their reasons for doing so are varied, but without them we wouldn't be looking at America's 250th birthday in 2026. 🫡