07/04/2026
This morning, I woke up excited to celebrate my favorite holiday.
But before the festivities began, I found myself standing still with a weight I wasn’t expecting.
I looked the folded American flag resting in the wooden case above my entertainment center that belonged to my grandpa, my Papa, who served our nation during World War II. Then I looked at another folded flag, the one honoring my dad, who proudly served both as a United States Army Soldier and a United States Marine.
In that quiet moment, I was reminded that my love for this country didn’t happen by accident. It was passed down to me by generations that taught me that freedom is never free and that loving America means remembering those who sacrificed to preserve her.
I’m willing to bet every one of us can name someone in our family who answered the call to serve this nation. Some came home carrying scars that would never fully heal. Others gave their very last breath so that future generations, including ours, could live in liberty.
Today we’ll gather with family and friends. We’ll enjoy cookouts, laugh with loved ones, watch fireworks light up the night sky, and celebrate 250 years of American independence.
As we do, I pray we each take just a moment to pause and say, “Thank you.”
Thank you to every veteran, every service member, every patriot, and every family who sacrificed so that we could enjoy the blessings we so often take for granted.
Most of all, thank You, Lord, for the incredible gift of liberty. Thank You for the freedoms we enjoy each day, and especially for the freedom to worship You without fear. May we never take those blessings lightly, and may we always strive to be worthy stewards of them.
From all of us at the Steeplechase Republican Women’s Club, we wish you and your family a joyful and blessed Independence Day.
Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸
Here’s to 250 years of freedom and by God’s grace, 250 more.
Autumn Dunlap 🇺🇸
President, Steeplechase Republican Women’s Club