Scott M. Ryan’s Post

More Than Fireworks: An Independence Day Reflection Today, we commemorate the birth of our nation, celebrating the courage, vision, and unwavering determination of those who paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy. As we reflect on this day, let's remember that Independence Day is more than fireworks and barbecues; it's a reminder of the power of unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of liberty. Our founding fathers envisioned a nation built on the principles of equality, justice, and the pursuit of happiness. They dared to dream of a country where every individual could rise to their fullest potential. Their audacity and commitment to these ideals set the stage for the great American experiment. Today, more than ever, we must remember the true intent behind the pursuit of happiness. It is not just about personal satisfaction or material success; it is about the collective well-being of our communities and our nation. The pursuit of happiness means creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, where we lift each other up, and where we work together toward a common good. As we celebrate our independence, we cannot ignore the current divisions that threaten to weaken the very fabric of our nation. The strength of America lies in our ability to come together, to find common ground, and to unite in the face of adversity. Division only serves to weaken us, while unity empowers us to achieve greatness. Let’s use this day to reflect on how we can bridge the gaps that divide us. Let’s remember that we are stronger together, that our diversity is our strength, and that by working in harmony, we can overcome any challenge. Every small act of kindness, every effort to lift others, and every commitment to better ourselves and our communities strengthens the fabric of our country. #IndependenceDay #Unity #Freedom #AmericanSpirit

In the spirit of Independence Day, let's embrace freedom, unity, and resilience. How are you celebrating today? Share your thoughts below!

🇺🇸Celebrating our Freedom as Americans🇺🇸 As we celebrate the 4th of July, it's a time to reflect on the incredible freedoms that we often take for granted but that truly set our country apart. These freedoms not only make our lives better but also empower us to innovate, grow, and lead in ways that are unparalleled around the world. Here are some of the key freedoms we enjoy: 🔵 Freedom of Speech: The ability to express our thoughts and ideas openly. 🔵 Freedom of Opportunity: The chance to pursue our dreams and achieve our goals. 🔵 Freedom of Innovation: The liberty to create and drive progress in every field. 🔵 Freedom of Choice: The power to make decisions that shape our lives and communities. These freedoms are the foundation of our success and the reason we can look forward to a bright future. Let's take a moment to appreciate and celebrate these liberties, and commit to preserving them for future generations. What freedoms are you most grateful for this Independence Day? Wishing everyone a safe and joyful 4th of July! Let's celebrate our freedoms and the endless possibilities they bring. 🇺🇸 #4thOfJuly #IndependenceDay #Freedom #Innovation #Opportunity #Gratitude

Happy Independence Day! Almost 250 years ago, a radical and revolutionary idea took hold - that all men were created equal and endowed by their creator with the inalienable right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights Governments were instituted by men, deriving their just powers by the consent of the governed. Our founders, recognizing the challenges and fallibility of humans during their time and in the future, laid out an aspirational dream toward a more perfect Union. With our recent divisions, political polarization, and tribalism, today is a good day to reconnect with the aspirations of our founders. Check out our founding documents. https://lnkd.in/eSpKfWjb.

“I believe I can, and therefore, I can.” This is the core belief, the particular optimism rooted deeply in the American Dream that sets this country apart from the rest of the world. It is this belief that allows people here to create and build and thrive in ways that they might not anywhere else, even when they’ve started with nothing. … the triumph of optimism swelled in my core. I let every bit of that feeling stitch the torn fabric of my heart and fill up the loss of leaving my country behind. I would have to wait two more years to become eligible to take the test and get sworn in as an American citizen. But on that day? The day I learned just how powerful optimism can be? That’s when I became an American. — The above is an excerpt from my book, Crossing the Desert. From a time when I knew I was ready to make my way forward in this country, purposefully. As we commemorate another Independence Day, I am reminded of the enduring ideals upon which this nation was founded. For me, this day holds a special resonance, not only as a celebration of freedom and independence but also as a reflection of the boundless potential that America represents. Throughout its history, America has stood as a beacon of hope and acceptance, offering sanctuary to the oppressed and disadvantaged from around the world. It is a privilege for any nation to have such an opportunity to shape the course of human history, and I believe that America’s spiritual destiny lies in leading the charge toward a more harmonious and just world. May this day be a joyful celebration of the resilience and spirit of the American people, and may we continue to strive toward a brighter future for all humanity. Happy Independence Day. https://lnkd.in/gURApezS #independenceday #4thofjuly #spiritualdestiny #crossingthedesert #spiritialcapitalism

248 years ago the United States reinstated a core principle and a central pillar of our western civilization. The Declaration that “All Men Are Created Equal” – made July 4th, 1776 one of most celebrated days in our recent history. This is when the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. By marking their victory, the United States hailed the highest human virtues of respect, equality and inclusion, while waving the flag of liberties and chanting the songs of freedom. They showed to the humanity the importance of what is divine in the life of humans – a country called home, built on solid principles, on open minds and generous debate of ideas. The American Dream was watered with hard work and a spirit of vivid competition. Barely anyone has better featured that than President Ronald Reagan who said “We are a nation of freedom, living under God, believing all citizens must have the opportunity to grow, create wealth, and build a better life for those who follow. If we live up to those moral values, we can keep the American dream alive for our children and our grandchildren, and America will remain mankind’s best hope.” The obsession for Freedom, the principles of Dignity and Respect, the core value of Hard Work and the invincible desire to win any obstacle that blurs these pillars – has made United States a model to follow and a friend to all. God Bless America! Happy Independence Day!

Freedom Isn't Free, But It's Worth Celebrating. July 4th isn't just about fireworks and barbecues. It's a day that symbolizes something much bigger - the freedom and opportunities that so many of us cherish today. Many of you might not know this, but my journey started across the pond in England. Transitioning from the UK to the US, I've experienced firsthand the unique liberties and opportunities that America offers. This transition has not only allowed me to grow personally but also professionally, in ways I never imagined. Living in the US has taught me the true value of independence and the importance of fighting to preserve it. It's a reminder that our freedoms, often taken for granted, are treasures that countless people across the globe can only dream of. This Independence Day, let's not just revel in the celebrations. Let's take a moment to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy, the opportunities at our doorstep, and the sacrifices made by so many to make this possible. Reflect on what freedom means to you. Share your story. How has living in America shaped your dreams and aspirations? Let's celebrate independence, not just as a day on the calendar, but as a cornerstone of our lives. Happy Fourth of July! #independanceday #freedom #opportunity

As we commemorate our nation's journey on this special day, let's delve into the heart of what makes us who we are - our National Identity and Patriotism. 🎉 🌍 Our diverse backgrounds and unique cultures weave a tapestry that's unlike any other. But on this day, we come together under one flag, united by our shared history and common aspirations. 🙌 💙 Patriotism isn't just about waving a flag; it's about cherishing the values that define us. It's the respect for our past, the commitment to our present, and the unwavering belief in our future. 🚀 🔗 National Identity is the thread that binds us, transcending differences and reminding us of our collective strength. It's about embracing our traditions, languages, and stories, while also embracing change and progress. 🌟 🗣️ Let's celebrate the diversity that enriches our nation and fuels our progress. Let's honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom and shaped our identity. 🙏 🎈 This Independence Day, let's renew our pledge to uphold the ideals that make us proud citizens. Let's work hand in hand to build a future that embodies the spirit of unity, resilience, and progress. 🌆 🌐 Together, we are the guardians of our nation's legacy, entrusted with the responsibility to create a brighter tomorrow. Let's stand tall, shoulder to shoulder, as a testament to our unwavering National Identity and Patriotism. 🌈 #NationalIdentity #Patriotism #IndependenceDay #UnityInDiversity #ProudCitizens #BuildingOurFuture 📢 Share your thoughts! What does National Identity and Patriotism mean to you? How do you celebrate these values on this special day? Let's ignite a conversation that resonates with every corner of our vibrant nation! 👇👇

Happy 4th of July! As we celebrate the birth of our great nation and the freedoms we hold dear, let's reflect on the ideals that the United States of America was created to embody. The freedom to choose one’s own path and destiny, to dream, innovate, and build; the idea that no matter who you are, or where you are from, you have the right to dream, act on those dreams and achieve your dreams. It is not a guaranty of success, but a guaranty of opportunity, the opportunity to apply yourself, work hard and live a better life. Our forefathers came to America from other parts of the world to create and live a different life; not be told they had to believe certain beliefs or live a particular lifestyle. The idea that we treat everyone fairly and with the same rights they enjoyed. They fought for this independence, the right to dream and choose to believe, the right to work hard, take risks, overcome challenges, and realize their visions. America is about many different backgrounds, traditions, ways of thought and belief. It is about honoring and respecting the rights of others, even when we don’t agree with what they think. We can and should, disagree; find the middle ground, compromise. It is this principal of acceptance, compromise and working together that have taken our country from its humble beginnings as colonies, to the forefront of the world and place that people continue to want to migrate to and partake in the “Great American Experiment”. This idea is not an end, as much as it is a journey – a journey of evolution, experiment and collective achievement. Here's to freedom, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of our dreams. Happy Independence Day! #UnitedStatesofAmerica #USA #togetherweachieve #IndependenceDay #4thofJuly

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸 Before gathering to enjoy your lakeside BBQs and evening fireworks, it’s worth spending a few minutes remembering and considering the daring boldness with which British colonists risked their lives to become American revolutionaries, and what inspired them to create the world’s longest-lasting constitutional republic, a brilliant form of government conceived by her founders to ensure unalienable rights for her citizens. Since the 1620s, Americans expanded across the continent with a sense of rugged idealism and purpose, ensuring survival from colonial Europe; overcame the ugly sin of slavery by giving 600,000 American souls for freedom; led the modern Age of Enlightenment with a system to encourage risk taking and free enterprise, resulting in the building blocks of our modern society, from the telephone to the airplane; joined with Allied nations to rescue the world from fascism in World War II; and defeated Marxism-Leninism abroad in the 20th century. Now America leads the technological revolution fueling the future of business, travel, communications, healthcare — the full 360 of American life. We have much to be proud of and thankful for as our nation prepares to celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.