July Fourth celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a showcase for patriotism. But what does all of this really mean? 

The president of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services has perspective driven by appreciation because from June 25th to the 30th, he joined members of the Kaplan Public Service Foundation in Poland visiting Ukrainian refugees.  

But refugee assistance was simply one aspect of this visit. He and the other members of the group received briefings from our US Embassy in Warsaw, Polish Economists, and Poland’s Defense Ministry. They visited a Polish Military Base in Powidz which is now hosting 1,600 American troops. Colonel Milne also participated in guided walking tours of Old Town Warsaw and the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews. 

Patriotism comes from the heart. It’s what you believe and what you care about. It’s a sense of belonging and part of the culture one embraces. 

During this visit to understand the challenges facing Ukrainian war veterans, Colonel Milne returned with solutions to address these challenges and ways Dixon Center can provide influence, ideas, and actions.

While our team spent the holiday weekend at places like Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, who led the military movement for independence, or with family and friends, we all embraced the message shared by Col Milne when he said, “I have a new appreciation for our freedom.”

Embrace the day! What will you be reflecting on while you recognize our nation’s freedom and your own patriotism?