The Fourth of July is more than just fireworks and backyard barbecues –it’s Independence Day, a sacred federal holiday that commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. On that historic day, the United States of America was born—A bold new nation founded on the principles of liberty, self-governance and unalienable rights. Freedom!

It remains one of our most cherished national holidays, but I often wonder: do we as Americans, still reflect on why we celebrate? For many, it’s simply a summer day filled with cookouts, beer and fireworks with family and friends. But the meaning runs far deeper.

Before our founding, brave patriots stood up against British colonial rule. Men from 13 colonies –without a formal army, navy, marine corps and certainly no air or space force— rose to the occasion. They sacrificed everything for the dream of a free and independent nation. We lost an estimated 70,000 patriots in that struggle. But through courage, unity, and unwavering belief in liberty, we prevailed. And from their sacrifice, a democratic republic was born.

Today, it is disheartening to see a small segment of our population entertain the idea that socialism—or worse, communism—should replace the very foundation upon which this nation was built. That is not freedom. That is not what our Founders fought and died for. Let us pray that the United States of America remains a strong, sovereign and democratic republic. May we always honor those who gave us our freedom—and may we never take it for granted.