Today is the Fourth of July, a holiday that brings together family and friends for food, fun and fireworks.
It’s also known as Independence Day and allows Americans to celebrate the freedoms they enjoy.
The Tribune decided to catch up with some Jackson County high school graduates who now serve in the military.
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Chandler Niehause
High school and graduating year: Attended Crothersville before finishing via homeschooling in 2018
Activities: Fishing Club, cross country two years
Military branch, rank and title: U.S. Army private first class and infantryman stationed with the 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington.
Why did you decide to join the military?
My family served — stepfather, grandfathers, uncles.
Being the Fourth of July, what does freedom and independence mean to you?
The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Kenneth Redlin
High school and graduating year: Seymour, 2018
Activity: Band
Military branch, rank and title: Airman first class crew chief with the U.S. Air Force
How did participating in your high school activity help you?
Participating in band helped by making me have to work with others, and working with others is something I do on a daily basis.
What’s your favorite memory of high school?
My freshman year when I went on the band trip to Disney World. The trip was a fantastic experience, and seeing Disney World with my classmates was amazing.
Why did you decide to join the military?
Joining the military was a fairly easy decision because I knew I always wanted to join.
What does it mean to you to serve your country?
Serving my country feels no different than a factory worker serving a company or a nurse serving a hospital. While I do love what I do, often, military service is played to be some sort of brave or selfless act. While for some who pay the ultimate price, it is, but for the majority, it’s a demanding job with benefits and drawbacks.
Being the Fourth of July, what does freedom and independence mean to you?
Freedom and independence, two things whose message has changed for me over the years, but recently, I found out what they mean to me, which is being able to hold our government accountable for the good and bad things they have done and express how we feel without the worry or fear of death and imprisonment.