On July 13, 2024, everything changed for me.

I did not suddenly become a patriotic American on that day. I have always loved this country. But that moment marked a turning point , one that will live in infamy for many of us.I have always had strong opinions, but I kept them to myself. I figured, what can one person do? Then something clicked. If your message is powerful and rooted in truth, your voice will carry. And when it carries, it grows.

I found myself watching speeches from President Ronald Reagan. One in particular struck a nerve — his farewell address from January 11, 1989. He spoke with pride, but also with concern. He talked about how patriotism was already fading, and how the safer and more prosperous we became, the easier it was to forget what got us here. Then he said something that shook me:

“I’m warning of an eradication of the American memory that could result, ultimately, in an erosion of the American spirit. Let’s start with some basics: more attention to American history and a greater emphasis on civic ritual.”

That was my wake-up call.

When you look at the decline of patriotism in this country, so much of it begins in the classroom. It is easy to call the next generation spoiled, but that misses the deeper truth. Many of them have been intentionally misinformed and misled. That is why everyday Americans like you and me must speak up. We must make sure the next generation understands how great this country truly is.

The preamble to our Constitution begins with a truth that still holds today:

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

Our Founding Fathers knew we were not perfect, but they believed in something greater. They believed in us.

We the People will not be oppressed or ignored. We the People stand for what is right. And We the People will not be silent …because TYRANNY GROWS IN SILENCE.