ACE Blog
WHAT THE 4TH OF JULY MEANS TO ME
On July 4th, America celebrates its birthday. That day when, in 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence drafted by its “Committee of Five”: Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman. (History tell us that Jefferson served as the primary drafter, with the other four serving as editors and contributors.)
One though always returns to this “Soldier for Life” (43 years thus far) on the 4th of July.
“For these freedoms to be sustained, they must be secured.”
The Continental Army was born in 1775, initially to eject the British military presence from Boston. (Which it did in March 1776.) This success enabled the colonies to visualize a successful revolution and possess the confidence to draft the Declaration of Independence.
In a war that lasted over 8 years (1775-1783), the Colonial Army won only 3 victories on the battlefield, Trenton, Saratoga, and Yorktown, but their fortitude and stamina secured independence for those 13 colonies.
And now 243 years after its establishment, America’s Army, YOUR ARMY, continues its mission to secure our freedoms. The security of these freedoms we celebrate on the 4th of July is not guaranteed and future stability is not pre-ordained. It must be defended.
It’s worth taking a moment amidst the fireworks, barbecues, onslaught of red white and blue color schemes and patriotic music to consider this and dedicate ourselves, the beneficiaries of service, to be the types of citizens worthy of their service.
Have a Happy Birthday America! And always, “Army Strong”.
- If these existing PBD facilities are “grandfathered” will they be allowed to expand footprint or services and retain higher payments?
- Can an already sanctioned Off-Campus PBD move to a new location and retain payments?
- If a project was already in development in November 2015 and has not yet opened, the project may be based financially on the former higher reimbursements. Will the law be modified so these projects are not penalized?