The Fourth of July is a time of celebration—flags waving, kids chasing sparklers, grills fired up, and fireworks painting the sky. It's loud. It's joyful. It’s quintessentially American.

But not everyone experiences it that way.

For some veterans, the day doesn’t feel like freedom. The sounds can be triggering. The crowds can be overwhelming. And the loneliness? It cuts a little deeper on a holiday built around togetherness.

So this week, while you're watching the night sky light up, take a moment to think about those who served—and still serve—quiet battles we don’t always see. PTSD. Physical injuries. Isolation. Grief.

Freedom isn’t free. And for many, it came at a price they're still paying.

You don’t need to solve everything. Just see them.

If you know a veteran, check in. If you pass one, offer a warm hello. A simple “thank you” might land differently than you think.

Let’s make room at the table, on the porch, in the heart—for those who gave so much and asked for so little.

Happy Fourth of July. And to our veterans: we see you.