Independence Day 2026

Todd: Hey everybody. Welcome. It's July 3rd. We're starting the Independence Day weekend. And ⁓ I just wanted to take a moment and talk with you about it because I like my coffee black and I like my tea in the harbor. Today isn't about fireworks, cookouts, or a day off. It's about remembering the generations who believed that liberty was worth sacrificing for. Men and women who stood their ground so future generations could live free, speak freely, worship freely, and determine their own course. Tomorrow, on the fourth of July, will be the day that our nation earned its independence. As an Army veteran, I've taken an oath to support and defend the Constitution. It was a blood oath. I swore to give my life in its defense. That check hasn't been cashed yet, but it is still out there. That oath shaped the way that I see the world and it continues to influence the stories that I tell today. Whether I'm talking about the Tuscarora who walked these lands that I grew up on long before I was ever a twinkle in anybody's eye. Or eastern North Carolina, the rivers and the creeks, and the backwoods, the swamps, the traditions of our hunting heritage, the importance of protecting our constitutional rights, or simply sharing the beauty of the creeks, woods, and the small towns that I call home. One idea runs through it all. Freedom is a responsibility, and freedom is not free. Somebody paid a very hefty price. So we could enjoy the freedom we enjoy today. And freedom belongs to all people who are willing to preserve history, teach the next generation, defend what's right, respect one another, and leave the country better than they found it. I'm thankful for every veteran, every first responder, every farmer, teacher, parent, and hard working American. who quietly carries that responsibility every day. Thank you to everyone who follows my pages. Whether you came here for local history, outdoor traditions, constitutional discussions, or simply a good story around the campfire, I appreciate you being part of this journey. Today we're going to take a moment, and I'm going to ask you to enjoy your family. Call an old friend. Fly the flag proudly. Matter of fact, call up somebody that you're no longer friends with, somebody that you may have a have had a problem with in the past, and let's see if we can't put that old problem to rest. Because today is more than just cooking a hot dog, and today's more than just a day off. Today's the day that a group of farmers, fishermen, bakers, lawyers, journalists defeated the most powerful army on the planet at the time, and a new nation was born. And I'm proud to have served that nation. And I'm glad you're here with me today. So I just want to say Happy Independence Day. God bless you. God bless North Carolina. And God bless the United States of America. Thanks for watching and thanks for being there. I hope you've enjoyed the content that I've put out. If you have, give me a like in the comments. If you don't like it, tell me why. Anyway, thank you so much for being there, and I'll catch you on the next one.