07/03/2026
Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙
Today, America celebrates 250 years of independence.
As I reflect on what this day means, I recognize that our nation’s story is not a perfect one. America’s history has been marked by war, slavery, injustice, division, civil war, violence, and heartbreaking tragedy. Those chapters should never be ignored, and they should continue to challenge us to become better.
Yet, despite our flaws, I am still proud to call this country home.
Having traveled to countries around the world, I’ve been reminded that many of the things we take for granted every day—clean drinking water, reliable electricity, access to education, the ability to speak freely, and opportunities to pursue our dreams—are still luxuries for millions of people.
As a proud Army veteran who served during a time of war, I have seen firsthand the devastation that armed conflict leaves behind. War doesn’t just destroy buildings—it destroys families, communities, childhoods, and generations. It leaves scars that often never heal.
That experience has made me deeply grateful that my children have never had to wake up to bombs falling outside their window or wonder if they would survive another day. I pray they never do.
I will always support the men and women who answer the call to serve, while also praying for peace. My greatest hope is that the wars we fight are never brought to our own neighborhoods, where our children, parents, friends, and loved ones live.
America has work to do. We are far from perfect. But I believe loving your country doesn’t require pretending it has never made mistakes. Sometimes the greatest form of patriotism is believing your country can continue to grow, heal, and become better.
So today, I celebrate our freedom, honor those who sacrificed for it, remember those who never made it home, and remain hopeful that future generations will inherit an America that is more just, more compassionate, and more united than the one we know today.
Happy Independence Day, America.
God bless our troops, God bless our veterans, and may God bless ALWAYS bless this country. 🇺🇸