T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY The entrance to the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

As we celebrate our Nation’s 250th anniversary of independence, I am grateful for this time and place in which we live. On July 2, 1776, delegates of the 2nd Continental Congress voted to sever the political ties of the 13 colonies to Great Britain. They agreed on the language of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which we recognize as Independence Day. Imagine what it would have been like to be alive at that time. Those that would later sign that Declaration knew that they would be putting their status, their wealth, their safety, and their families at great risk, as this would surely mean a war with the most powerful empire in the history of the world. And yet they signed anyway – resulting in them becoming hunted men, losing their homes to British arsonists, losing their fortunes, and a few even being held prisoners of war.

We thrive as a Nation today in large part because of the courage of these forefathers. We live today in a Nation that has among the strongest economies with the most innovation and scientific discovery in the world, a Nation that is committed to individual liberties and opportunity for all, the most culturally diverse Nation in the world where all can thrive based on their abilities and character, and a Nation that responds to the needs of our world when called upon to do so. People of the world look to the United States for leadership and support in diplomacy, communication, trade, and military support. And our Nation has always been there to respond. There is no other nation in our world’s history that has done more in pursuit of freedom and justice for the oppressed than the United States of America. And we must know that the best is yet to come – if each of us serves, gives, and when required – sacrifices.

Our Nation is not perfect. We hear that message delivered from the pulpits of those with loud voices. We can agree that our Nation has endured blemishes along our journey. And yet we continue to rise and grind to fulfill our obligations – to ourselves, our families, and our communities. There is no place on Earth that the fruits of our labor are more apparent than right here in the United States of America – regardless of race, creed, ethnicity, or political belief. I am grateful to be here in Central Iowa working with many of you as we pursue a better community for our small part of this nation. The 827 staff supporting the 372 residents, including the 325 veterans and 47 spouses, living at the Iowa Veterans Home remain grateful for the opportunity to serve those who serve.

As we celebrate 250 years in Marshalltown, Iowa, the Iowa Veterans Home census includes 372 residents, including 325 veterans and 47 spouses. Our veteran census includes 136 Soldiers, 84 Sailors, 68 Airmen, 34 Marines, and 2 Women’s Auxiliary Corps WACs. One veteran served during World War II, 27 during the Korean War, 196 during the Vietnam War, 18 during the Gulf War, and 83 during peacetime. It’s an honor to serve.

Todd Jacobus, a veteran of the U.S. Army and the Iowa Army National Guard, is the commandant of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and the Iowa Veterans Home.