Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Jason Beardsley, a senior coalitions advisor for Concerned Veterans for America and director of veterans initiatives for Stand Together, and has worked for both the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs. Jason is a veteran of the Army and Navy with extensive combat experience. AMAC Foundation is honored to have Jason as an FVOP Collaborator.

As we gather on this Fourth of July to celebrate the spirit of America, let us reflect on the intellectual foundations that have shaped our great nation. The principles of liberty and justice, deeply rooted in the Western tradition, guide us towards a tough and principled nation. Our Founding Fathers, well-versed in the wisdom of civilizations past, constructed our Republic with timeless philosophies and ideas.

Today, we honor the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs that have defined our American journey. It is a celebration of the human spirit, the pursuit of liberty, and the belief in the potential of every individual. Yet, amidst the festivities, we must acknowledge the challenges we face. Our nation has experienced shifts away from our founding principles. Limited government, individual liberty, and personal responsibility have been overshadowed by a growing reliance on government, eroding our freedoms and personal accountability. The core values of self-governance, free markets, and a strong moral foundation have been compromised by excessive regulation, government intervention, and a decline in shared moral values necessitating a time of reflection and renewal.

As we gaze towards the future, let this Fourth of July ignite unity and hope within us. Together, we can restore faith in our nation, revitalizing the spirit of individual excellence and unleashing the power of we the people. With a shared commitment, we will overcome divisions and write a new chapter of productivity, asprirations, and shared prosperity.

So, as the fireworks light up the sky and our communities come together, let us embrace the spirit of “E pluribus unum” – out of many, one. May this Independence Day remind us of the strength and resilience that resides in every American, inspiring us to safeguard the blessings of liberty for generations to come.

Happy Fourth of July!