Here’s one from an ensign:

I am a recent graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis and am now temporarily assigned to the Political Science Department until I head down to Flight School in Pensacola in December. As I now have much more free time than while I was at the Academy, I am hoping to go to Washington to this weekend with some other Navy friends to take in the festivities and celebrate the birth of the greatest nation on Earth. I know you’ve spent some time in D.C. and was wondering if you knew of any specific events/sights I should see for the 4th. I’ve been to Washington quite a few times but never for the 4th. I feel like it’s my civic duty as a young person and in the military to get to D.C. for Independence Day before I get too old and jaded. Any suggestions at all would be much appreciated.
This is entirely unrelated to Independence Day but I think you’d appreciate hearing it: I was just in Europe for two weeks taking a leave break after graduation from the Academy, and the overwhelming emotion I got while I was there was simply, “Thank God I’m American.” My friend and I went all over the place, exploring the greatest cities of Western Civilization, and while inspiring, I was also troubled by what I saw. The cathedrals, some of the most magnificent buildings I have ever seen and that I would be in awe to worship in every day, were largely empty, while the sex shops and government bureaucracy buildings were teeming with people. You can physically, tangibly, see Europe in decline today and a jarring sight it is. The United States is most definitely still the last best hope for the world, and I am so thankful I have been granted the opportunity to fight for it.
Happy Independence Day. It is people like you and the whole NR team that remind me constantly that the path I chose is the correct one. I am honored to serve this nation knowing how many Americans still care deeply about its well-being and role as a beacon for humanity.