[July 5, 2026] Like I normally do, my article today was written yesterday (July 4th). I’m typing with tired fingers after our huge Fourth of July Parade here in my hometown of Galloway, and being physically exhausted from the effort. Things get harder as we get older, and I’m much older than back in my Army days.
Thankfully, there are some wonderful – including more physically fit – people who are both part of our Veterans’ Club and supporters who came out in mid-90 degree, humid weather (tipping out at 102 this afternoon) to help us. Our supporters were exactly what we needed.
I want to thank all those who made it possible. And I mean it. There, I said it.
This 4th of July carried a special meaning this year because of the many decades of our great Republic, and there are hundreds of reasons most of us patriots – you and me – could think of why that is the case. Ira Stoll wrote an article in the Washington Free Beacon that lists 250 things to love about America. Yep, she nailed it. Take five minutes of your time and glance through it. We do have a great Republic. Have a little humility and list those things you love about America.
I’m rich with friends and family. That is what keeps me going. We’re not perfect. I’m not either. But at least I’m free to make mistakes and not go to jail simply for exercising some of my basic rights that the rest of the world does not enjoy. This morning, I saw a video of a young American woman at a Japanese airport who was shocked that she was told not to post an incident at the airport on her TikTok social media account, else she might be put into jail. We are rich.
This afternoon, a small group of us Veterans are invited to one of our local funeral homes for a Veteran recognition luncheon. Live music, good food, ice cream, and great company. Wimberg Funeral Home, Galloway, puts on a great spread and we love them for it. I’ve gotten to know everyone who works there, over the last 10 years I’ve lived in our township. On the average, we attend 15 funerals per year for our club members. My advice: Rule 31, always attend funerals.
My American Legion magazine came Friday, just in time. The Commander, Dan K. Wiley, wrote a message to pay his respect to the many who wore the uniform. He wrote:
”Throughout this complex and incomplete journey have been American men and women willing to die for what our nation stands for. They are us. We who have worn the uniform, stood strong against deadly adversaries and wept over flag-draped coffins reflect a bit differently on our nation’s 250th birthday than those whose freedom and safety generations of us have sworn to protect and defend.”
Well said. And I leave it here. Be a good American patriot. Be the good person you could be. That is the way of the world.
I’m typing with tired fingers.
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Please read my books:
I know I slept well after a long day and watching the show in Washington DC on my television very late last night. What a great fireworks and military singers. The crowd was huge, especially considering there was a several hour delay. God Bless America.
Well done, General Satterfield. Your tired fingers produced another inspiring post. The Galloway parade sounds exhausting yet rewarding. Thanks for highlighting our veterans’ efforts in the heat. America’s 250th celebration reminds us of our blessings. Family and friends keep us going strong. Rule 31 on attending funerals is wise counsel. We are rich with freedoms others lack. Your leadership message shines through clearly. Keep sharing these reflections. Patriots appreciate your consistent voice.
Gen. Satterfield, you never disappoint. I was a bit uncertain about today’s post. Was it a self-mocking diatribe? Or was it about actual exhaustion from a long, very hot day in the sun? Or being around so many showing their rightful patriotism? Your website is a running monolog on how to make ourselves “better than we can be.” That message needs to get out, and in stronger terms, so that the weak can become stronger, and fill their lives with greater responsibilities, those responsibilities that make us believe we are better than just skin and bones. Keep up the great works you are doing here and with your Vets locally. We appreciate the effort to keep this website going, and we know that it is for us.
“Characteristic #45: Be All That You Can Be”
https://www.theleadermaker.com/characteristic-45-be-all-that-you-can-be/
Exactly, Reyes. Well said! And that particular post was probably written when Gen. Satterfield had few people reading his blog, at the beginning of his journey, post retirement. His site had existed for only a few months by then and he was still an active duty General.
… and Martin, you were one of the original fans too.
Post 4th of July stories, ha ha ha. Got it.