Lately, we seem hyper-focused on tribalism. My hope is that we can all come together for one of our nation’s most symbolic holidays: our Independence Day. There was a time when we stood shoulder-to-shoulder against a common enemy — without comparing our politics or religion or race or economic status. In fact, we have done that more than once throughout our country’s history. And we seem to be forgetting that, as Americans, we are bonded not by our differences, but by our history as a nation overcoming great odds together to preserve and protect our liberties.

I served 22 years in the United States Army, and it was the greatest adventure of my life. Along the way I deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, Guantanamo Bay, and South Korea. I’ve seen our enemies face-to-face. Enemies who wanted nothing more than to kill Americans simply because of who we are and what we believe. I was proud to wear the Stars and Stripes on my shoulder to defend this nation. Now, I want my kids to be proud to wave our country’s flag not just on the Fourth of July, but every day. I hope all Americans can be proud of our country, not because we are perfect, but because we strive to become “more perfect” every single day. I’ve been all over the world while serving in uniform, and I can tell you with great confidence that there is no greater place on Earth than the United States of America.

This Fourth of July, let’s put down our political armor and celebrate America with honor and pride. There is nothing more American than a small town parade with friends, family, and neighbors and then enjoying a hog dog, burger, and a bombastic firework show. Let’s get back to celebrating the holiday like we used to and enjoy these moments with those closest to us.

Tom Barrett served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, with tours in the Iraq War, Guantanamo Bay, Kuwait, and the Korean DMZ, and logged more than 1,000 hours in some of the most advanced helicopters in the world. When Tom returned to Michigan, he was shocked to find so many veterans struggling to find opportunities back home. Michigan had the second highest veteran unemployment rate in the nation and Tom decided to act, running for the legislature, and becoming a leading voice for veterans in Lansing. Tom lives in Charlotte with his wife, Ashley, and their four young children. Tom is running for Congress to restore our commitment to America, and the values that took us from a fragile new republic to become the greatest nation on earth.