🎆 The U.S. National Anthem is a Veteran’s Song of Combat

As fireworks light up the Houston skyline and families gather to celebrate Independence Day, we veterans have a greater shared experience to our forefathers than one may think.

For our veteran community and their families, this day isn’t just about BBQs and red, white, and blue. It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices, oaths, and continued commitment to the values that make America worth celebrating.

The Star Spangled Banner in this video was performed by our Digital Media Specialist, Josh Jones… who had the pleasure of playing the same anthem with an electric guitar and amplifier atop a far flung combat outpost in Afghanistan in 2012.

To many, our national anthem is just a song, but for many of us who have served, it’s a shared experience of combat as our forefathers (Francis Scott Key) documented their base (Fort McHenry) receiving massive amounts of incoming fire.

If we listen to the lyrics of the early-dawn naval barrage from the Royal Navy (at the time the strongest military might of the world):

O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,

What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming,

Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight

O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming?

Many of us veterans have seen this. Indirect fire, firefights, base attacks, complex attacks at night, or the pre-dawn hours.

And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,

Then the red-star clusters and parachute flares pop up - and air support and fire missions, if we have any… seeing the flag wave in the red, orange-tinted light…

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Saluting our fallen, coming home to loved ones, all with our flag waving above us.

Our country was forged by forefathers who were fighters and combat veterans. We are much closer to them than you would think, and these are breadcrumbs that they’ve left for us to find.

🇺🇸 Independence Day - Gratitude and Reflection

Whether you served in combat, supported missions at home, or stood beside someone who did, your role in protecting the freedoms we enjoy today cannot be overstated.

Today, we honor:

Those who served, from Vietnam to Iraq to Afghanistan and beyond
Families who held it together through deployments and homecomings
The fallen, whose absence is deeply felt on days like this
Veterans navigating life after service with courage and strength

Your contributions didn’t end when you hung up the uniform. They continue in your leadership, community involvement, and resilience.

🌇 Houston Celebrates You

The Greater Houston area is proud to be home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country. This July 4th, several local events offer the perfect opportunity to celebrate, connect, and reflect.

🎉 Local Events to Check Out:

Freedom Over Texas (Buffalo Bayou Park):
Houston’s signature July 4th event, with live music, food trucks, and a stunning fireworks show. Veterans receive discounted entry.
City of Katy Freedom Celebration:
A family-friendly event taking place at Typhoon Texas this year! Great for connecting with other veteran families in the suburbs.
League City Fireworks Extravaganza (Chester L. Davis Sportsplex):
Includes live entertainment, food vendors, and a patriotic salute to local veterans. (on July 3rd)
Tomball's July 4th Celebration & Street Fest:
A classic small-town Texas celebration with fireworks, a Veterans Tribute, and live country music.

🤝 Connect with Your Community

Many local veteran organizations and nonprofits are hosting gatherings, cookouts, and volunteer events this week. Getting involved is a great way to celebrate while staying rooted in service and camaraderie.

Look into:

Combined Arms Houston – for community events and veteran networking
Lone Star Veterans Association often hosts family-friendly July 4th activities
Camp Hope / PTSD Foundation of America – providing support and fellowship during holidays that may be difficult for some veterans

💬 A Reminder for Veterans: It’s Okay to Take Space

For some veterans, July 4th can be overwhelming, especially with loud fireworks, large crowds, and emotional memories. If you're feeling anxious, you're not alone.

Consider:

Watching fireworks from a distance or indoors
Bringing noise-canceling headphones
Reaching out to a peer or counselor if needed
Using Veteran Crisis Line: 988 (then press 1), 24/7, confidential

There’s strength in knowing your limits and making choices that support your well-being.

🎖️ Final Thoughts: Independence is Personal

As we celebrate our nation’s freedom, let’s also celebrate your independence, your journey from service to civilian life, your growth, and the impact you're still making.

This July 4th, we honor your courage, your sacrifice, and your continued dedication to your family, your community, and your country.

From all of us in the Houston veteran community:
Thank you. Happy Independence Day.

*This article was written by the Harris County Veterans Services Department Public Affairs Staff, Henry Chan, and Josh Jones. Henry and Josh both deployed to Afghanistan for combat missions in 2012-2013 and were stationed in Germany, a street down from each other.

🎆 The U.S. National Anthem is a Veteran’s Song of Combat

Your GI Bill in Action: Best Colleges and Trade Schools for Houston Veterans

Harris County Veterans Services Department