Happy Independence Day 2026!

I don’t know about you, but I love celebrating Independence Day! The mere idea of our founding ancestors sending the Declaration of Independence, prominently displaying their individual John Hancocks, to the tyrant King George III swells my heart with pride. Those same founding statesmen gave up everything to secure, for our fore-bearers and their progeny, the ability to decide for themselves how our country would thrive, grow, and govern. Many ended up penniless, dying in poverty. Their sacrifice purchased the country we know and love today. Without a doubt, our nation has been exceedingly blessed and beyond fortunate from the very beginning.

Though we find ourselves removed from our country’s inception by a quarter of a millennia, it is my hope that we, as citizens, will continue to cherish and never forget the courage our founders carried or the loss, pain, and suffering they endured to gift us this magnificent country. Having said that, how should we go about remembering what was given up for us?

Our family (like most) chooses to gather together in fun and fellowship, enjoying good friends, family, and food. Not to mention the special tradition of a nighttime fireworks show! When we gather, we grill out, shoot guns, go swimming, listen to music, and play games. Most of all though, we thank the Lord for His manifest goodness and blessings for all we have! These quintessential 4th of July activities are, for us, a fantastic way to remember this holiday and all it commemorates.

Now, our nation finds itself celebrating its 250th year of independence from the tyranny of a far removed monarch. What an amazing moment in history! To memorialize this once-in-a-lifetime holiday, in addition to our normal 4th of July activities, we will be reading the Declaration, out loud, to remind ourselves of the nation’s humble, yet amazing beginning. My family’s wish is that you and yours will also have a happy and fun-filled Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day everyone!!