Jul 03, 2026
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — This Independence Day, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) calls upon all Americans to pause and reflect on the profound origins and ongoing significance of our nation as we celebrate a historic 250 years of freedom and democracy.
Two and a half centuries ago, courageous acts of defiance and revolution birthed a nation founded on the radical ideals of liberty and freedom. This annual observance is more than just a milestone: It is a powerful reminder of the inherent rights of our citizens and the enduring principles that continue to define our American spirit and way of life.
The signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, was a courageous stand against oppression and tyranny, engraving the belief of our unalienable right to “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” into the very fabric of which our nation was built.
VFW members have personally upheld these very ideas on battlefields around the globe, and this Independence Day, the VFW urges Americans to celebrate by engaging actively in our democracy and supporting the brave men and women who continue to stand in harm's way to protect our way of life, thus ensuring that the sacrifices of the past continue to guarantee the liberties and freedoms of the future.
Happy 250th birthday, America.