Independence Day, better known as July Fourth, is a national holiday established to honor the founding of America. The holiday also commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. American Thinker interviewed a few patriots who have served their country, asking them what this holiday means to them, as well as how current events affect American values.

Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ) celebrates this holiday by reconnecting with family and country. For him, the most important American values are personal accountability and responsibility. Part of this country’s greatness is that anyone “can make something of themselves. You can aspire to do exceptional things, yet if you fail, you have the opportunity to build again. That is the magic of America.”