Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.

Charles E. Weller

I remember my dad writing this on dozens of pieces of paper when I was a child. He was always practicing calligraphy on parchment paper and penning this phrase as well as sections of the Declaration of Independence.

Perhaps this is one small reason the value of freedom has always been a part of my DNA and why the meaning of Remain Strong has become so important to me.

The Freedom of Expression

As far as I can remember, I've ALWAYS had the desire to express myself however I wanted. Telling me that I couldn't do something only made me want to do it more. And telling me I had to do something only pissed me off.

This was evident when my fourth grade teacher told me I'd never make anything of my life because I would draw too much. It was a defining moment where I decided to say fuck you to my critics and begin my long journey of overcoming adversity. Apparently rebelling against the status quo has always been in my blood.

Honestly I never set out to be defiant toward rules or people.

Being compliant is not something that has ever computed in my brain. Questioning the opinions or thoughts of others was natural, especially when it conflicted with my morals or values. Asking the hard questions in life can't be turned off. Instead of fighting against it, I've embraced it, and perhaps it will change lives.

We all should have the right to express ourselves.

We all deserve the right to share our opinions without government interference or be able to express ourselves in an appropriate manner as it relates to the rights we've been given. But unfortunately this is changing right now all over the globe.

Sadly there aren't enough people willing to do something about it!

Americans have mostly chosen to remain silent instead of remain strong. The ones who do speak out are immediately labeled heretics or, even worse, as terrorists. We are not able to express ourselves without the risk of losing something substantial like a career or family members.

In many ways, we've taken a step back into time where distant kings oppressed us while also taking a step forward toward embracing socialism. This should not be tolerated and now is the time to do something about it.

The Freedom of Speech

Right now I'm struggling as I watch our country become more and more divided every day. Between the pandemic, cancel culture, political power plays, mistrust of police, and hyper-sensitive feelings of Americans, our nation has become a real shit show.

Addressing these difficult topics only seems to breed more hatred and anger, while raising the levels of depression, anxiety, sadness, and overall sense of impending doom. We can't seem to have civil discussions anymore, and if you happen to go against popular opinion, you're castigated for your beliefs. Even social media no longer allows us the right to free speech and will ban us for going against the man. Just look at Facebook.

Freedom of speech is now only acceptable as long as it agrees with views of the person you share it with.

The rights our men and women fought to give us are eroding into the past. The ideal of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are disappearing before our eyes. And again, it's because so many people in this country have let it.

I want to speak out and fight with every fiber of my being because it matters to our way of life. Like William Wallace, we need to take action that will make a real difference, even if it costs us everything.

The Freedom to Fight

There's a HUGE difference between talking action and taking action. While there is a time for civil discussion to be had, there is also a time to fight for what we believe in.

It's better to fight for something than to live for nothing.

General George S. Patton

This quote has been a daily reminder for me to stand up for what I believe in. It's a reminder that we can simply choose to ignore the injustices going on around us or we can find meaningful ways to make a real difference.

If we look, we will see there is so much to fight for. This is why we must rekindle the American Spirit and discover the right cause to invest in.

This is the moment we must "remain strong" and embrace the adversity in front of us or we risk losing all we have ever fought for.

Why is this all so damn important any of us?

The past few months I started to reflect on the challenges our country has been facing individually and collectively. This is when the past became a clear reminder.

I remembered the stories from my grandparents, my mother, aunts and uncles, who endured the atrocities of World War II. They lived through the hellish nightmare of Nazi occupation and rule. No freedom, no food, no education, and no support. They were oppressed in every way and people were murdered for not complying ... or simply for being the wrong race or color.

The Gulikers family never forgot those times, nor did they ever forget the sacrifices thousands of men made in order to liberate them. Imagine how our world would be completely different had people refused to stand up and fight for our freedom.

It's because of these stories and history that I feel so passionate about speaking out and doing something that makes a difference.

Now is the time ...

It is time for us to stand up and protect what so many men and women died for. As a veteran owned company, freedom means everything to us and hopefully to you as well.

I don't know how you should fight for our freedom; only you can determine how far to go or what price you are willing to pay for it. Whatever you're able to do, do it with all your heart.

If you need help or support, reach out to me.

#REMAINSTRONG

P.S. No, I don't have a man crush on Mel Gibson. He just has some great movies to prove my point. ;)