Celebrating Independence Day

Summer is in full swing in the Choctaw Nation. In-person events are starting up again, and it is so wonderful to see everyone begin to live life again.

Independence Day, better known to most as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday that commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4th, 1776. This year, America celebrates 245 years of independence from Great Britain.

Whether you are at the lake, in the stands watching a game, or at home grilling a meal, it’s a great time to spend with family and friends. On July 2, we will celebrate Independence Day with our annual Boom in the Valley Fireworks Spectacular in Tvshka Homma. This event features fireworks display beginning at dusk. This is always a special event, and I hope to see you all there.

While celebrating with fireworks, parades and cookouts are all fun ways for people to get together and celebrate, we should never forget the true meaning of the holiday. Independence Day is more than sparklers and red, white and blue. It represents an unmatched determination of effort to earn and keep freedom that continues to this day. Our service members and veterans all took a vow to protect our country and keep us safe. While you celebrate this year, I encourage you to remember the sacrifices made to give us the freedoms we enjoy every day.

We at the Choctaw Nation believe in taking care of our people and helping our communities. We have held several job fairs in the past few months in hopes that individuals in our community get the opportunity to find a career that is right for them.

July 25th is National Hire a Veteran Day. Every day, military personnel leave the service in search of civilian employment. National Hire a Veteran Day reminds employers to consider veterans to fill their open positions.

The Choctaw Nation is committed to our Choctaw veterans. The Veterans Advocacy program advocates for Choctaw veterans to receive benefits and services on par with other veterans, so they don’t encounter barriers or impediments in their attempts to access services, and they are treated with respect and dignity by Veterans Affairs service providers. The Veterans Advocacy program will also serve Choctaw veterans by assisting with the eligibility and entitlements of veterans and their dependents and contacting appropriate VA service providers in their area. If you would like to know more about our Veteran’s Advocacy program visit www.choctawnation.com or call Roger Hamill at 580-642-7934.

If you are a veteran and looking for employment opportunities with the Choctaw Nation, visit careers.choctawnation.com or text 22100 with the keyword ‘CHOCTAW’ for an instant application.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July everyone, God bless.