KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Inspired by the revolutionary idea to unite against tyranny and oppression, July 4 marks the celebration of the most important beginning in American history…the birth of the United States of America.
Bound under the rule of a king, life in British America was radically different than the way of life we experience today … a way we love and cherish. It was a cruel world where men were not equal, and where privileges and rights could easily be revoked without rebuke.
So, armed with the radical ideas of freedom and justice, America’s first patriots took up the fight for a better way of life. And after eight long years of fighting, 25,000 lost, and more than 8,000 injured, that way of life—the American way—was achieved.
Our nation has known since its inception on July 4, 1776, that freedom does not come free. It comes at a high cost, paid for by the United States’ most dedicated patriots. Freedom must be protected and defended against many threats both stateside and abroad, and we are ever-fortunate to have the brave men and women of America’s military—the less than 1% of our country’s citizens—standing at the ready to fight on our behalf.
The VFW honors all of the brave men and women of the armed forces who have sacrificed greatly to secure our freedom. It is they who have directly allowed us the very opportunity to celebrate this momentous holiday. To each of America’s service members and veterans, we thank you for your service.
Join the VFW this Independence Day and show your appreciation for the men and women of our military! Check out the Beyond the BBQ slideshow then share it to social media, encouraging others to show their “thanks” to those who’ve allowed us our freedom. Be sure to add @VFWHQ and #beyondthebbq to your posts!