My dad always dreamed of visiting the Pearl Harbor memorial in Hawaii. In the days following the December 7, 1941 attacks, he—and many others—skipped school and flooded recruitment offices, often lying about their ages to enlist. I have this photo of him and two friends, wearing their freshly issued Naval uniforms, on their way to Corpus Christi, Texas, joining the fight for freedom. The WWII rallying cry to “pray for our boys” captured the moment perfectly: young men from all over America stepped up with bravery and patriotism.
Not too far from the USS Arizona memorial, about nine miles away, lies the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. My incredibly patriotic parents from the “greatest generation” never made it to either of these important sites. Still, I felt that my visit was made on their behalf, as I recited prayers and the pledge of allegiance. Walking among the gravestones, I almost heard bits of static-laden news broadcasts while looking at the grave of renowned war correspondent Ernie Pyle. Gazing upon the memorial honoring the 61,000 Americans resting in Punchbowl Cemetery, my wife and I felt a deep sense of reverence for those “known only to God.”
Those words resonate profoundly; they remind us that countless Americans sacrificed their futures so that generations to come could enjoy freedom. Unfortunately, many nowadays seem to take those sacrifices for granted.
Patriotism often faces ridicule from academic and cultural leaders who view America as a nation defined by its failures, rather than as a force for good. Young people today frequently learn cynicism instead of gratitude, division rather than unity, and resentment instead of responsibility.
A time for reflection and recommitment.
The year 2026 will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence—two and a half centuries since brave individuals pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to build a nation based on liberty and God-given rights. The American experiment began with sacrifice, was maintained through bloodshed, and has been sustained by generations of selfless patriots.
America’s narrative isn’t found just in documents and speeches; it’s written in the footsteps left behind at Valley Forge, where soldiers under George Washington faced starvation, disease, and extreme cold to ensure the survival of a free republic.
Those men, marching barefoot through snow mixed with blood, believed their suffering was worthwhile for the sake of liberty.
That same spirit has been a hallmark for each generation that followed. From Gettysburg to Normandy, from the jungles of Vietnam to the mountains of Afghanistan, our courageous service members have answered the call of duty.
Throughout our history, approximately 1.2 million American service men and women never returned. Across the nation stand silent testaments to the cost of freedom—white headstones marking military burial sites.
Today, dangerous ideologies are quickly gaining ground. Marxism, which has led to oppression, poverty, and death in places where it has thrived, is often glamorized by those who haven’t endured its impact. Some even advocate for coexistence between Islamic Sharia law and our Constitutional Republic’s principles. This betrayal must be confronted now. America’s founders would be appalled to see the liberties and order they fought for being undermined by the acceptance of oppressive ideologies.
America’s strength has always been rooted in moral conviction, personal responsibility, and the belief that rights are bestowed by God, rather than the government. The solutions to our national crises start when citizens take it upon themselves to preserve the republic for future generations.
That responsibility starts at home. Parents need to instill respect for the flag, our history, and our national identity in their children. Schools ought to teach the Constitution’s principles and the story of American liberty with sincerity and pride. Churches should promote moral courage, service, and love for God and country.
This 250th anniversary should serve as a renewal of the American spirit. We inherit a remarkable legacy bought at a tremendous cost. Allowing false narratives and moral decay to erode what was fought for dishonors those who endured at Valley Forge and those buried beneath the crosses and stars in military cemeteries.
The future of the United States depends not just on constitutions and courts, but on citizens willing to live with courage and responsibility. Freedom only endures when people are ready to defend, teach, and cherish it.
As we celebrate 250 years of independence, may every American commit to being a better steward of this cherished republic. Fly the flag with pride, study our history with honesty, and honor our veterans faithfully.
Raise children who value liberty. Live with integrity and faith. Serve your community, uphold constitutional principles, speak well of your country, and never forget that freedom is sustained only through sacrifice.
True patriots build up the republic rather than tear it down. Yes, the Torch of Liberty has been entrusted to us. Let’s show ourselves worthy of carrying it forward for future generations.
