On this day, July 4th, 2025, we pause to honor the bold Declaration that gave birth to our nation 249 years ago—and the men and women, past and present, who fought for, believed in and defended that independence with unwavering courage. 

Independence Day is more than a celebration and parade of our founding; more than a burnt hot dog with mustard, and even more than a bright, multi-colored Catherine wheel spinning against the night’s sky.   It is about the ongoing promise of liberty and the price paid to protect it.   From “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World” at Lexington and Concord to the present day, America has stood as shield, sentinel and beacon for the world.  From the beginning, Americans have pledged their lives and livelihoods.   Fifty six Englishmen signed that Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia as examples for us.   And they pledged their all to become Americans.   They knowingly signed their own death warrants for this belief in our new nation.   Twenty six of these newly declared Americans suffered losses.   The losses included: torture, deaths, maiming, homes destroyed, and families slaughtered.   They believed in this nation and its very idea of liberty.

The legacy each American upholds was forged in fire and sealed by sacrifice—from Valley Forge to New Orleans, from Shiloh to Gettysburg, from Normandy to Kandahar.   They were not abstract heroes from a distant past.   They were and are ordinary Americans who answered the call of their time – just as many do today.

In our community in Georgia and across the nation, let this day be a time to reflect on our shared heritage, and commit ourselves to the values that make America worth serving: duty, honor, and liberty.   Let us all remember the duty we inherit.  Let us honor those who came before us, by continuing to live and serve our communities with honor, courage, and commitment, and renew our commitment to the cause of liberty and the ideals of our great nation.

As the commander of The Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands, whose lineage traces back to the earliest days of the Colonies (1638), I am reminded daily that freedom is not an inheritance—it is a responsibility.   The Centennial Legion is not only stewards of tradition but living symbols of the enduring spirit of the American Soldier.   All of our units represent military commands from the 13 Original Colonies and numerous units that existed prior to 1876.   From the Centennial Legion’s first formation in 1876 (the Centennial of the US) to present day, our command has stood watch over and represented the nation’s promise.   It is an honor to carry this tradition forward.

As all of us enjoy the sights, sounds, laughs, fireworks, family and friends (and maybe a burnt hot-dog or two), take a moment or two and remember how and why we are celebrating.   It may also be worth a moment or two to thank God where we are celebrating this day.

Happy Independence Day, Georgia – and may we always be worthy of the freedom we celebrate.

With respect and gratitude,

Martin A. Howley

Colonel 

Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands

Commanding

At the age of 32, COL Howley enlisted in the US Army Infantry School after spending 10 years as a Casino Croupier.   What started as a 2 year enlistment, ended with a 26 year retirement as a decorated and well-traveled Army Officer.   COL Howley resides in Fayette County and is the current Commander of the Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands.