Dear Home Base Nation,

This Independence Day marks America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

In the midst of our Revolutionary War, sparked here in our Commonwealth by the “shot heard ’round the world,” our forefathers set aside their differences and, on July 4, 1776, boldly affirmed their unalienable rights to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It was not just a statement, it was a commitment — one that demanded sacrifice as this was treason to the Crown and called for a death sentence.

Our Nation was born in that moment, but the fight for freedom had only just begun. For seven long years, American Patriots endured, sacrificed, died and eventually prevailed against the most powerful Army in the world, securing liberty not only for themselves, but for generations yet to come.

That same spirit lives on, and today we once again find ourselves a Nation at war — not for our own independence, but in defense of global peace and stability. We owe a profound debt of gratitude to those who have served before us and to the men and women who continue to serve today as “Freedom’s Guardians” around the world.

Yet, we also recognize a hard truth — many will return home carrying the visible and invisible wounds of modern warfare.

That is why Home Base exists. For the past 17 years, we have stood ready to care for our Veterans, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen. Together, we have served more than 60,000 Warriors and Military Families from across all 50 states, providing world-class clinical care and compassionate support at no cost to those who have sacrificed so much. But our work is far from done.

On this historic anniversary, I ask you to reflect on what was given for our freedom and to stand with those who continue to bear its cost.

Later this month, we will gather for the 17th annual Run to Home Base — our most critical annual fundraiser. Thanks to a Grateful Nation, and our partners at the Boston Red Sox, this event has raised more than $50 million to support and expand life-changing care for our Veterans and their Families.

If you or someone you know could benefit from care, we encourage you to connect with us at homebase.org/getcare.

Together, we honor the past, serve the present and safeguard the future.

Together, we honor their sacrifice not just in words, but in action.

Sincerely,

Jack Hammond

Retired Brigadier General, U.S. Army | Executive Director, Home Base