Tracey Edmonds, a 100% disabled Veteran, at one time weighed 440 pounds and had trouble even crossing his legs and tying his shoes.

Tracey Edmonds, a 100% disabled Veteran, at one time weighed 440 pounds and had trouble even crossing his legs and tying his shoes.
Four years ago, the Army E4 Veteran had gastric bypass surgery paid for through the VA in San Antonio which gave him weight relief.
But Edmonds, who resides in Oklahoma City along with his wife Debbie, was still struggling with knee, neck, and arthritis issues and not sleeping much at night.
To cope with his pain, Edmonds began spending his nights writing about his surgery journey and how he approaches life.
The result was his new book titled “Eat Like You Had Gastric Bypass,” which is now available on Amazon.com.
“I have spent many nights dealing with not sleeping so I had to find something
to do so I wouldn’t keep everyone up all night and so I started writing years ago as my therapy,” Edmonds said. “This book has been a gatekeeper to keep me focused so 2 years later this is the product of my work which I received word from Amazon on my birthday (May 31) that it was going live in an eBook version which readers can read for free or paperback.”
Edmonds said his book tells you ways what you can eat and live your life just like somebody who’s had surgery.
“I want people to take away that there’s more out there and be motivated and you can do it,” he said. “Just don’t deny yourself. You can eat the things that you want to eat but just eat them in a smaller proportion. Enjoy your food. Enjoy going out to dinner. Enjoy going out to dinner with your family. Limit yourself when you go out.”
Edmonds, a Phoenix City, Alabama native, said he was fortunate to have the VA pay for his gastric bypass surgery.
He said not everyone is as lucky.
“A lot of times people don’t have good insurance like we did. I had VA, they took care of that. If I didn’t have VA, it wouldn’t have been paid for,” he said. “I was sitting in that office doing a post-op surgery in the doctor’s office in San Antonio. This guy hobbled. He had to be close to 500 pounds. A nurse told him, she was sorry, but your insurance is not going to pay for the procedure. The look on his face, the sadness. I will never forget that moment. Weight loss is not an easy journey. This is one of the other reasons I wanted to put this book out to just give people that second option (of losing weight).”
Edmonds, 59, was raised by his maternal grandmother. He didn’t meet his biological father’s family until seven years ago.
“I found my family at age 52. I found
my father through DNA testing,” he said.
“I have a cousin in Washington DC that encouraged me to go ahead and finish all my many notes and writing projects that I’ve been collecting over the years. I’ve got probably eight hard drives that I use to store stuff on, and so I just started putting it together. And my first book, I published on my birthday.”
Edmonds said, “Eat Like You’ve Had Gastric Bypass,” is published under his nickname Tre Edmonds. He said along with that book, he also has written a book called “Look Here Woman,” which talks about his 36-year marriage to his wife, which is also available on Amazon.
“Look Here Woman, that’s an Alabama term,” he said. “This was the surprise book that I put out a week or two later and it’s about my wife and our 36 years of marriage, funny parts of it. They’ll see that they’re two books. One’s a comedy and one’s health related. This is 36 years of our life.”
Edmonds said he is currently working on a book about his childhood upbringing.
“I have a novel that I’m working on about my upbringing from Phoenix City because my grandmother raised me,” he said. “It’s going to be called “A Grandmother’s Love.” It’s coming out next year. I’m going to finish that.”
Edmonds said didn’t tell his family that he turned his hobby of writing into writing books.
“Sitting up, I started writing, trying to be quiet, and that hobby turned into something I enjoyed doing now, which was writing books,” he said. “So, I was lazy and I didn’t really tell anybody because if I didn’t feel like finishing it, it wouldn’t have bothered anybody except me.” •
Story and photo by Van Mitchell, staff writer

The opening of the National Native American Hall of Fame at its permanent headquarters in early June 2026 is an exceptionally appropriate and strategic milestone for Oklahoma City’s cultural landscape. The opening of the National Native American Hall of Fame at its permanent headquarters in early June 2026 is an exceptionally appropriate and strategic milestone for Oklahoma City’s cultural landscape.
Located at the historic Sundail Mansion at 4000 N Kelley Ave., this new cultural icon is within two miles of the Oklahoma State Capitol and the Oklahoma History Center. This makes it a convenient tourist destination as a national monument to Indigenous achievement.
“The Hall of Fame inducts individuals in 16 categories, including military,” Founder and CEO James Parker Shield (Little Shell Chippewa) said. “We invite all veterans and visitors to our people’s place of honor-the National Native American Hall of Fame.” Shield established the Hall in 2016 in Great Falls, Montana, after serving as Montana’s State Coordinator of Indian Affairs as the first Native American on the Montana Governor’s staff.
Veterans and tourists can deepen their appreciation of Oklahoma’s proud Native American military service by viewing the product of its high per-capita enlistment rate and historic contributions.
Nearly 19% of Native Americans have served in the military since September 11, 2001, compared to an average of 14% for all other ethnicities combined. Historically, Indigenous soldiers have provided irreplaceable tactical advantages.
This began with the legendary Code Talkers of World Wars I and II-including men from the Choctaw and Oklahoma Cherokee Nations.
Native Americans have served in the military because of a complex mix of patriotism, family legacy, economic opportunity, leadership, humility and self-sacrifice to support their community.
This new museum celebrates Oklahoma’s Indigenous heritage by honoring notable figures, including Army First Sergeant Pascal Cleatus Poolaw Sr. He is enshrined alongside 21 other Veterans. This full-blooded Kiowa warrior from Apache, Oklahoma, is widely recognized as the most decorated Native American soldier in United States military history.
His and his four sons’ military service embodies the complex, multi-generational dedication to community defense and service that defines Oklahoma’s Indigenous heritage.
During his legendary career spanning 25 years and three major conflicts-World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, where he lost his life-Poolaw earned 42 medals, badges, and citations.
Poolaw’s career uniquely highlights the “warrior tradition.” He earned three Combat Infantryman Badges and three Purple Hearts- one of each for every war he fought in.
At his funeral, his wife, Irene Poolaw, summarized his legacy: “He has followed the trail of the great chiefs. His people hold him in honor and highest esteem. He has given his life for the people and the country he loved so much.”
Poolaw is buried at the Fort Sill National Cemetery in Lawton, Oklahoma. His enduring impact remains a fixture at the nearby Fort Sill Army base, where
“Poolaw Hall” houses a museum exhibit celebrating the contributions of Native American soldiers.
The Hall of Fame is a national institution celebrating contemporary path makers, military heroes, and political trailblazers from tribal nations across the United States. It highlights individuals who have made cultural contributions from the Civil War era to modern times in fields such as law, medicine, sports, and activism.
The museum will attract summer vacationers, field trips, and families. It will be a key destination for learning about Native American achievements and increasing visitor engagement.
By opening its doors in June it places Indigenous contributions at the center of Oklahoma City’s cultural landscape, encouraging visitors to explore this vital history.
Housed in the historic 6,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style residential villa built in 1919, the museum offers a private, elegant experience by appointment only, making visitors feel uniquely welcome and valued.
Operating without standard walk-in hours, the museum offers personalized, tailored tours of the collection, providing a more exclusive experience for visitors.
To request entry, email [email protected]. Please include your preferred date and time, the
total number of guests, and any specific educational interests or accessibility needs. The staff handles scheduling inquiries Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please wait for a staff member to reply and confirm your time slot before traveling to the museum.
For more informationo, visit www.nativehalloffame.org. •
Story and photos by
Darl DeVault, contributing editor

The Route 66 Spirit of America Museum wants visitors to explore the dreams America has achieved, what made achieving them possible, and dreams America can achieve
in the future. It’s the brainchild of Steve Brandt, founder and director, who opened the five-room museum on June 10, 2023.
America’s real and fictional characters and major events are highlighted: the lives of Reverend Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King, the 1976 Centennial Train, Star Wars and Star Trek, “Cars” movie, Superman and Superwoman, a real American hero, Desmond Doss, Woodstock, America’s space quest, including the Apollo program and much more.
There is a theme. “People who follow their dreams have moved America forward. And there are people who have followed their dreams and are no longer alive, but can still move us forward if enough people find out about them. I’m referring to Buckminster Fuller, Dr. W. Edwards Deming and my mentor, Russell Encroft” Brant explained. Interested?
On June 13, Brant held
a seminar with Stroud citizens and discussed America’s status at 250 years. We engaged in conversations on topics like
“Founding Fathers’ belief that the Pursuit of Happiness is an inner spiritual journey” and “What it will take for ‘the light side’ to win over ‘the dark side’ in the contest of ideas. This led to discussions about what makes people happy (consumerism, virtue, religion, etc.) and how some people
use competition while others use cooperation to move society forward.
During the talk, the Bontrager family from Turner, Oregon, visited. Deanna, the mother, noticed, “historical nods to people who really tried to make a difference like Fred Rogers, even Superman, you know, I think anything that influences people to, maybe do something bigger than they think they’re capable of.”

What BrightStar Care Clients Are Saying
“I’ve been able to encounter so much greatness with Brightstar Care. The team is so entergetic and compassionate. I have also been pleased with the tremendous amount of care they give to their patients and their families.”

If you love a veteran, you probably already know that “coming home” doesn’t always mean the hard part is over. Many of the families we serve in Oklahoma City and Tulsa are quietly noticing changes in the veterans they care for. Maybe sleep has become more restless. Maybe tempers are shorter. Maybe your loved one is pulling away from family gatherings or church in ways that feel unfamiliar.

You may be asking yourself, “Is this just aging, or could it be something more?” For some veterans, these changes are signs of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) surfacing or worsening with age. If that sounds close to home, you’re not alone-and there is help.

Understanding PTSD in Aging Veterans Why Symptoms Can Show Up Later in Life
PTSD doesn’t always appear immediately after someone leaves the military. Many veterans push through distress for years-working, raising families, staying busy-until retirement, health issues, or losses slow them down. When there’s more quiet and less distraction, old memories and emotions can feel louder.
You might notice:

• Nightmares or difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Sudden anger, irritability, or emotional outbursts

• Avoidance of crowds, holidays, or even family events

• Startling easily at loud noises, like thunderstorms or fireworks

• Feelings of guilt or shame when talking about their service

These changes can be scary for you to witness and exhausting for you
to manage, especially when you’re also juggling work, kids, or your own health.

PTSD and “Invisible Injuries” at Home
We often say PTSD is an “invisible injury,” but its impact at home is very real. It can strain marriages, disrupt family routines, and leave caregivers walking on eggshells to avoid “setting off” their loved one. The good news: PTSD is treatable, and the right kind of support at home can make daily life more peaceful while complementing clinical care from the VA or community providers.

How Calm, Trauma Aware In Home Care Helps Creating Safe Routines in Familiar Spaces
Many veterans feel safest in their own homes, where they know every sound and every corner. That’s why in home support can be such a powerful tool. A trauma aware caregiver focuses on:

• Gentle, predictable routines for mornings, meals, and evenings

• Asking permission before assisting with personal care

• Learning triggers and planning around them (TV content, loud noises, certain topics)

• Maintaining a calm tone and body language, even during difficult moments
This approach helps veterans feel respected, not managed. It also helps reduce conflict and crisis moments that can leave everyone drained.

Supporting Emotional Health and Daily Living Together
PTSD rarely exists in isolation. Many aging veterans are also living with chronic illness, mobility changes, or memory loss. In home support can combine emotional awareness with practical help:

• Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming that preserves dignity

• Medication reminders and coordination with VA or other providers

• Companionship that respects when your loved one wants to share-and when they don’t

• Transportation to counseling, medical visits, or veteran support groups

• Encouragement with hydration, meals, and gentle movement
You stay part of every decision, but you gain a partner who understands what your family is facing.

How BrightStar Care of Oklahoma City Supports Veterans and Families
Tailored In Home Support for Those Who Served
At BrightStar Care of Oklahoma City, we are honored to serve veterans and the families who stand beside them. Our team provides personalized in home services, from companion and personal care to more complex support overseen by a Registered Nurse. Together, we design a plan that reflects your loved one’s history, preferences, and current health needs.
For veterans living with PTSD or other service related conditions, we focus on building trust, maintaining calm routines, and coordinating with your existing providers whenever possible.

What to Expect When You Reach Out
When you call, you’ll speak with a local BrightStar Care team member-someone who understands Oklahoma families and the realities of caring for veterans at home.
If you’re in Oklahoma City or Tulsa and wondering whether what you’re seeing could be PTSD-or if you’re just feeling overwhelmed by the day to day-you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Visit BrightStar Care of Oklahoma City online to explore how we care for veterans and their families at home:www.brightstarcare.com/locations/oklahoma-city
Call us at (405) 896 9600 to talk with a local care expert about what you’re experiencing and how we can help.
You can also view our location, directions, and reviews here: www.google.com/maps/place/BrightStar+Care
Your veteran has already done the hard work of serving. Let’s make sure they-and you-have the support you deserve at home.

What 24/7 Home Care Really Looks Like in Oklahoma City
As health needs become more complex, many families in Oklahoma City reach a turning point: “Is it time for round the clock help?” You might be seeing nighttime wandering, frequent falls.
Have questions about home care?
Our local home care experts are ready to answer your questions and help you along your unique home care journey.

By Jill Stephenson
Mark Radamacher was the youngest of ten children in a military strong family from Wales, New York. He was born on June 7, 1963 and was killed in action during the invasion of Grenada on October 25, 1983 at the age of twenty.
Mark’s brother Frank, the oldest of the ten children lives in Claremore. He and
his wife of fifty years moved to Oklahoma less than two years ago to be close
to his son.
I connected with Frank via social media, when I saw pictures his sister Nancy had posted last year from his driveway, stating she was in Claremore. I had been friends with her for some time because her brother and my son were both fallen Army Rangers. Although their deaths were twenty-six years apart, there is a bond that forms amongst the families whose loved ones paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Learning that Frank lived under ten minutes away from me, I immediately wanted to connect with him.
Four of the six Rademacher boys served in the military. Their father and two uncles served during WWII. Mark was mostly influenced to serve by his brothers. At Iroquois Central High School, he was very athletic playing football and wrestling. All of the trophies in those two sports are named in his honor, including the locker room. His involvement in sports helped him train to become an Army Ranger, which was his dream. He joined the military in September of 1981.
His training assignments with the Rangers took him to Puerto Rico, Washington, Wisconsin, Florida, Panama and the Federal Republic of Germany. Mark graduated Ranger School on October 28, 1982. He was promoted to Sergeant three and a half weeks prior to his death. He served as Rifleman, Grenadier, and Team Leader. He is laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Wales Center, New York. His parents and numerous extended family members rest near him.
Due to the difficulty in recovering his body, it took several days for the family to be notified that he had been killed. At the time, Jack Kemp was a local congressman who happened to be good friends with President Reagan. Kemp was instrumental in getting Mark’s body home. His parents later received a letter signed by President Reagan. Mark’s funeral included a two-mile procession lined with flag waving supporters and an overflowing church. When Mark’s mother arrived at the church and saw the casket, she immediately threw herself across it and sobbed. His sisters wanted to open the casket and make sure it was him. He was the baby
of the family, his death hit every one of them hard. When Mark’s belongings were sent home, his family discovered he had prewritten all of his Christmas cards to them. This thoughtful characteristic contributed to how long it took each of them to accept his death.
His sister Nancy remains deeply supportive of the veteran community. She has traveled to Grenada multiple times with some of their siblings. One of the medical students that was rescued in the mission that Mark was killed during, went on to become a doctor and philanthropist. In Mark’s honor, he has generously funded these trips for the family. Additionally,
the VFW Post #7795 in Wales, NY is named for Mark. When the dedication took place, his father was Commander of the post. It was the first time in history that a post was named for a son whose father was the Commander.
It was usually the other way around.

I asked Frank how he feels about losing Mark forty-three years later. Before any words came out of his mouth, his eyes welled with tears. You never get over the loss of a family member. When they die in service, they are honored and remembered by brothers and sisters in arms, fellow Gold Star Families and countrymen who appreciate their sacrifice. As I write this we are between Memorial Day and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the birth of our great nation. As James Garfield eloquently stated on the first Dedication Day ceremony at Arlington national cemetery on May 30, 1858, “For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and virtue.”

Frank shared with me that although he wasn’t one of Mark’s brothers that served our country, he has always been a strong patriot and supporter of our military. Mark’s death exemplified this and is the primary reason he still is today. Patriotism and virtue have no timeline.

If you know of a fallen Oklahoma son, and would like a tribute, please emial us at [email protected].

(Ret.) Army Master Sergeant Aaron Hudgins was named the 2026 Veteran of the Year by the Oklahoma Veterans Council during the annual Veterans Awareness Day joint legislative session May 15 at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Last year, Hudgins, director of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), received the Family of the Year from the OVC.
“It’s a little overwhelming, because there’s so many great Veterans and like organizations in the state that have been doing this so much longer and have a well-established foothold in Oklahoma,” he said. “It was amazing. It’s hard to put into words, because last year I thought I had reached the top, because my family got recognized, which meant more to me, having my entire family on the Senate floor. We have a big family, and so it meant a lot. At that moment, I was good. I was like, ‘You know what? I have achieved whatever highest status I could achieve,’ so then this one completely took me by surprise.”
Hudgins said being honored by the OVC shows his organization is having an impact honoring Veterans.
“Being recommended, and then actually earning an award says that what we’re doing has an impact on our community and it is being recognized,” he said.
TMF unites communities to strengthen our nation by empowering veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion, USMC, was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis’ legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, “If Not Me, Then Who…”.
Guided by this ethos, veterans continue their service, build connections with each other, and thrive in their post-military lives by serving as character role models to youth. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation’s heroes lives on in the next generation.
Manion gave the ultimate sacrifice on April 29, 2007, on his second deployment to Iraq. While on patrol searching for a suspected insurgent house in Fallujah, Travis, his fellow Marines, and Iraqi Army counterparts were ambushed.
Manion led a counterattack against enemy forces, drawing fire away from his wounded comrades and allowing every member of his patrol to survive. For his actions, he was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor. Today, over 300,000 Spartans nationwide carry forward the legacy of fallen heroes like Travis by leading with character and living out the “If Not Me, Then Who…” ethos.
TMF Chapters are local volunteer groups led by veterans, families
of fallen heroes, and inspired civilians who have a passion for the Travis Manion Foundation mission. Currently, TMF Chapters exist in nearly 40 locations throughout the country – identifying and executing local service projects and hosting events that connect and unite their communities.
Chapters allow Spartans to expand the reach of TMF and engage with local volunteers to make a meaningful contribution to their surroundings while upholding the “If Not Me, Then Who…” ethos.
Their best-in-class programs are designed to develop, heal and bring together veterans, families of the fallen, youth and inspired civilians from all walks of life. From their Character Does Matter youth mentoring program to community service projects and service-based trips, TMF programs give Americans an opportunity to honor the legacy of fallen heroes through service.
Hudgins said TMF conducts legacy projects.
“The biggest thing that we do is legacy projects, which are service projects for the community that are built around honoring our fallen heroes,” he said. “While I’ve been doing it, every legacy project we do for the community, and it could be anything. We put bags together for foster care kids, overnight bags. Because when they leave in the middle of the night, they don’t have anything with them. We put bags together that have a blanket, snacks, a stuffy, a nightlight, something that they could take with them that is theirs.”
Hudgins said they do six major events a year including the Honor Project.
This year’s project happened on Memorial
Day where the Oklahoma TMF Chapter
visited Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond and
the cemetery in Jones where they place TMF honor coins on Veterans graves.
“We lay them on all the fallen heroes of that cemetery, so every one of them gets it,” he said. “What we do is we go there, we place it, we say their name. We spend about two minutes kind of in the moment, and then we’re paying our respects to that Veteran that has paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Hudgins said being involved with TMF is a way to honor all Veterans including his late wife SSG Jari J. Hudgins.
JJ Hudgins was injured while training for her mission at Fort Bliss. She was medically discharged from the Army after a broken hip was deemed an
“unrecoverable injury.”
She was home for just 10 days before passing away on April 28, 2018.
“The truth is that my involvement in this mission wasn’t shaped by one moment or one project. It was shaped by 26 years of service in the United States Army and, more importantly, by the personal tragedy of losing my wife, Jari J. Hudgins,” Aaron Hudgins said. “That loss changed my life and forced me to confront grief, purpose, and responsibility in a way I never had before.”
He continued “The man I am today and the work I do through the Travis Manion Foundation, is the result of both those experiences. My military career taught me about duty, leadership, and sacrifice. Losing Jari taught me the weight of that sacrifice and the importance of honoring it by continuing to serve others.”
For more information about the Travis Manion Foundation visit www.travismanion.org.
Story and photo by Van Mitchell, staff writer

By Freddy Groves

Are you taking advantage of the discounts available to you as a veteran? Discounts let you keep cash in your wallet, and there are more deals out there than you might imagine.
One of my favorites is the 10% discount from Lowe’s and Home Depot. With summer, there are always projects, always a new hardware item or tool I need, and that discount helps. As an FYI, there’s no limit to how many discounts I can get at Lowe’s, but there is an annual limit at Home Depot. (I’ve never hit it.)
There is a Bass Pro Shop discount on outdoor gear, as well as one for firearms and ammo. Look for discounts at L.L. Bean. T-Mobile will save you 40% on family
phone lines and 50% off Paramount+, which will get you new movies, sports and Showtime.
Travel, restaurants, music events, you name it, there’s a veteran discount available.
One thing to consider is how you’ll prove you’re a veteran when you try to claim your discount. Many places will just accept your VA health card. Some will want your Veteran ID card, al all states have the veteran designation on yur dirver’s license. To ge this, check your state’s requirements. You might need to show up at a DMV with a copy of your DD214 when you apply for the veteran designation. This is very handy to have, by the way, as many places will take that as proof of your veteran status.
Quite a few companies are going with SheerID as a means of proving your veteran status and getting a discount. SheerID handles identification for all types of groups, including students, first responders, seniors and veterans.
Check out SheerID as best you can, which you should always do before giving anyone your private information (support.sheerid.com/en-US/help-center). Check out their webpage
on military verification to see what documents you’d have to show. Be sure you are comfortable with it before you sign up.

From the Publisher
As fireworks light the Oklahoma sky this Independence Day, many veterans and seniors citizens say the holiday is about far more than parades, cookouts and patriotic music. For them, July 4 is a reminder of sacrifice, resilience and the enduring promise of freedom that has shaped generations of Americans.
Across Oklahoma, where military service and patriotism run deep, veterans and older residents view Independence Day through the lens of personal experience. Some remember serving overseas during times of war. Others recall growing up during World War II, the Korean War or the Cold War, when patriotism was woven into daily life and national unity often took center stage.
For Army veteran James Carter, 78, July 4 has always been a day of reflection.
“When you’ve worn the uniform, the flag means something different,” Carter said. “You think about the people who didn’t make it home and the freedoms they gave everything to protect.”
Carter, who served during the Vietnam War, said the holiday offers an opportunity to honor fellow service members whose names are etched into memorials across the country. While he enjoys family gatherings and local celebrations, he also makes time for quiet remembrance.
Marine Corps veteran Linda Reynolds, 72, hopes younger generations enjoy the holiday while understanding its deeper meaning.
“Freedom isn’t something you inherit without responsibility,” Reynolds said. “Every generation has to protect it in its own way.”
For many seniors, Independence Day also serves as a bridge between generations. Grandparents pass along stories of military service, family traditions and defining moments in American history that younger relatives know only through books.
Mary Thompson, 85, of western Oklahoma remembers celebrating Independence Day as a child shortly after World War II.
“There was a feeling that everyone had sacrificed together,” she said. “People appreciated what freedom meant because they’d lived through difficult times.”
Today, Thompson enjoys watching her grandchildren wave flags during community celebrations while sharing memories of earlier generations.
Military organizations throughout Oklahoma often use the holiday to recognize veterans and encourage civic engagement. Ceremonies frequently include presentations of the colors, recognition of active-duty military personnel and moments of silence for those who died in service to the nation.
For some veterans, however, fireworks can bring mixed emotions. Loud explosions may trigger memories associated with combat or military service. Veteran advocates encourage communities to remain mindful of neighbors who may experience anxiety during holiday celebrations and to provide advance notice of public fireworks displays whenever possible.
Despite those challenges, many former service members continue participating in Independence Day events because they believe the holiday represents the ideals they pledged to defend.
Air Force veteran Robert Ellis, 81, said Independence Day reminds Americans to focus on what unites them.
“Our country has been through disagreements before,” Ellis said. “July Fourth reminds us that we’re all Americans first.”
Community leaders say those perspectives offer valuable lessons for younger generations navigating an increasingly divided political climate. The holiday provides an opportunity to celebrate shared values rather than political differences.
As families gather at lakes, parks and town squares across Oklahoma, veterans and seniors say the celebration ultimately comes down to gratitude-for those who served, for the freedoms secured through generations of sacrifice and for the opportunity to pass those values to future generations.
As evening falls and fireworks illuminate the prairie sky, many Oklahoma veterans will stand for
the national anthem, remove their caps and quietly remember friends who never returned home. Nearby, grandparents will watch children chase sparklers across backyards, hoping they grow up understanding that Independence Day is more than a summer holiday.
For those who have lived through war, hardship and decades of American history, July 4th remains a powerful reminder that freedom carries both privilege and responsibility-a legacy they hope will endure long after the last firework fades from the Oklahoma sky.