Happy Birthday to this great nation we are fortunate to call home.
By Charlie Abruzzo | July 2, 2026
United We Stand
When the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor, our military was relatively small compared to many of the world's major powers. Within just a few years, America built the largest military and industrial machine the world had ever seen. Shipyards, factories, and manufacturers produced thousands of ships, hundreds of thousands of aircraft and military vehicles, and millions of tons of equipment at an unprecedented pace. Experts agree that a feat of that magnitude could never be replicated.
The UNITED STATES achieved the impossible because everyone came together as one. Women worked in factories, often for far less pay than men, while millions of men volunteered to serve. Americans wanted to be part of the fight, unified by the simple, powerful fact that we were Americans. A twig is weak and easy to break; a bundle of twigs has strength and can be nearly impossible to break.
Being a Boat Owner Is a Privilege of Freedom
Brave members of our Armed Forces continue to serve in dangerous places around the world, risking—and in some cases giving—their lives to protect the freedoms we often take for granted. Because of their sacrifice, we enjoy the liberty to practice our faith, express our opinions, vote, and live according to our beliefs.
We get to choose whether we're left or right, Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative. We also enjoy the freedom to own a boat, spend time on the water with our families, and experience one of America's greatest recreational traditions. Around the world, many people do not enjoy those same freedoms, including the freedom to enjoy the boating lifestyle we often take for granted.
I see people throughout our great nation at serious odds with one another, and in some cases, filled with hatred over our differences. Too often we’ve allowed political differences to become personal divisions. That isn’t who Americans should be. Enemies of this great nation plant seeds to divide us. Don’t let them succeed. Enjoy your freedoms—hell, lean into them and appreciate them with enthusiasm. Our service members continue to stand watch around the world so we can enjoy these freedoms, but we all need to STOP hating the person next to us simply because they don't share our viewpoints or beliefs.
It sure feels like the entire nation is splintered among ourselves for no intelligent reason other than taking the bait our enemies have put before us. Some organizations and institutions have accepted millions of dollars in donations in return for offering classes on Islam. We as Americans tend to think short-term; some of our enemies think in terms of generations and centuries.
Time for Change and Healing
Step one in conquering any challenge is acknowledging the issue. Boat owners are a proud, patriotic group. Visit almost any marina on a holiday weekend, and you'll see countless American flags flying proudly from boats of every size. Awareness is all it will take to begin fixing what's broken. Be aware of what we are allowing our differences to do.
We as a nation NEED to stop fighting among ourselves. Defend another person's right to choose; don't hate them for not being you. It would be pretty incredible if we, as boaters, could help lead a movement that reminds people we're Americans first and individuals second.
There are few places where the American spirit shines brighter than on the water—families, friends, veterans, fishermen, sailors, and cruisers all sharing the same freedom under one flag. It reminds us that while we may come from different backgrounds and hold different beliefs, we all have the privilege of calling this country home.
As we celebrate America's 250th Birthday, we hope you'll spend time with family and friends enjoying everything this great nation has to offer. Enjoy your time on the water and never forget the generations of Americans who sacrificed to preserve those freedoms. If you're looking for your next boat, explore thousands of listings from professional yacht brokers around the world at Global Yacht Exchange.
Happy 250th Birthday, America. United We Stand.
