Ernst: American Dream is Strong
From the fireworks to the waving American flags, the Fourth of July is all about patriotism.
While this weekend is a time of celebration with backyard barbeques and hot dogs, we cannot forget that freedom is not free.
It has been secured by the brave men and women who have served in uniform, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
I recently joined President Trump to honor our servicemembers at the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration in our nation’s capital.
The parade brought two and a half centuries of heroism and history to life by showcasing some of the Army’s greatest triumphs and our nation’s finest hours.
But the real story behind the 250 years of the Army, and all our armed forces, is revealed in the brave young men and women who have stepped up and answered the call to serve our country.
These individuals came from all walks of life but were fueled by a common sense of duty, service, and desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
It should come as no surprise that patriotism plays a direct role in military recruitment.
Recruitment slumped badly under Joe Biden, but we have seen a tremendous resurgence under President Trump with the Army, Navy, and Air Force all hitting their recruiting goals months ahead of time.
I have led the charge in Washington to build upon these recruiting successes with my SERVE Act that promotes the benefits of service by expanding access for military recruiters in high schools.
This is personal for me.
After graduating from Iowa State University, I served in the Iowa Army National Guard and Reserves for 23 years and am honored to have played a small part in the decorated history of America’s oldest military branch.
My time in uniform taught me valuable lessons in leadership. It also took me places that I never could have imagined growing up on my family farm in Red Oak, including serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and it opened my horizons to a life of service.
I want to ensure that the next generation can access the same opportunities that the Army gave me, a core element of the American Dream that has empowered generations to lift themselves up by their bootstraps through hard work, determination, and grit.
And under President Trump’s strong leadership, the American Dream is not just alive, it is thriving, and patriotism is stronger than ever.
Today, and every day, I am proud to be an American.
Joni Ernst, a native of Red Oak and a combat veteran, represents Iowa in the United States Senate.
Click here for an official portrait of Senator Ernst.
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