Who doesn’t love the 4^th of July? (If you don’t, I don’t want to hear about it) It’s a day off of work dedicated to fireworks and picnics on the beach with friends and family. But of course the reason for celebration is the great freedom of this beautiful country we are blessed to call home. As an American soldier, I love and celebrate this holiday with the rest of America, but it means a little more to me.

There was a day in my past where I raised my right hand and changed who I was as a person. I called myself a soldier for the best country in the world. I went to training, put in the work, graduated, and actually earned the title “Soldier.” Ever since the first day I was able to embrace this honorable title, my love for this country and everything it provides for me grows. We live in a place with an overarching abundance of freedom! Give me a reason not to celebrate every day! No, this country is not perfect, you cannot find one that is (and people will find things to complain about no matter where they go), but I choose to love the land that has blessed me and given me the opportunity to wake up free and happy every day of my life. I would never dream of living anywhere else.

It’s easy to find a bunch of patriotism in a group of soldiers. We serve this country and we love what we do, but my favorite part about the 4^th of July is seeing the rest of America feel the same pride and love I feel when I’m wearing this uniform. To see the whole country celebrate is the reason I will fight against anyone who wants to take down this great nation of freedom. As a soldier, I love the fourth of July because the whole county feels the same way I feel every day.