As we celebrate July 4th, I find myself reflecting on what freedom (and fireworks) really cost—and how we, as Americans, continue to evolve. With our country’s 250th birthday approaching in 2026, it’s an important time to pause and consider the ideals we stand for, the progress we’ve made, and the work still ahead.
A recent trip to Montana reminded me of the contrasts woven into our nation’s history. Montana, a place that can feel both untouched and irrevocably changed, became a state in 1889—barely over half the age of the United States itself. The irony is not lost on me: many who now seek to protect Montana’s way of life (and pristine beauty) are descendants of settlers who, not long ago in the grand scheme of history, took these lands from those who had lived there for thousands of years.
Reading Wanderlust on the plane ride home—a book I grabbed without hesitation as soon as I saw it in a bookstore in Red Lodge, Montana—reminded me of my own core value of Wanderlust. The book recounts Danish (I have to love Danes!) and other explorers with the race toward the North Pole in the early 1900s, a stark reminder of how recent some of humanity’s milestones truly are. Just a little over a century ago, we had never stood at the North Pole. America, a country now celebrating its 249th birthday, is still young on the global stage—yet we’ve grown strong, shaped by both our highest ideals and our deepest failings.
While in Montana, my wife and I hiked through the Beartooth Wilderness—the largest roadless area in the lower 48 states—finding agreement on a balance that made everything better: pushing ourselves on hard hikes, sleeping under the stars in bear country some nights, and then rewarding ourselves with a cozy hotel in town on others. That spirit of compromise reminded me that, like marriage, our democracy thrives when we’re willing to meet in the middle and work together.
Meanwhile, as we gather to watch fireworks this week, it’s worth noting the irony that over 90% of the fireworks Americans enjoy come from China—and with new tariffs recently announced, the cost of next year’s Independence Day celebrations will likely be much higher, since this year’s supplies were already ordered. Freedom has a price, and sometimes it shows up even in the cost of a firework.
We began as a country with bold aspirations—casting off monarchies, aristocracies, and taxation without representation—but as a young nation, we also oppressed others, enslaved fellow humans, and committed grave injustices. Even today, despite immense progress, we must remind ourselves of our civil liberties and strive to uphold them, especially when they apply to those we disagree with.
Life isn’t perfect. Neither is America. Neither are any of us. But each morning, if we can look in the mirror and commit to making a better version of ourselves by serving others, we can continue to build a better world.
This lesson hit home for me last week as I helped my friend and inspirational mentor, Pete, achieve his goal of running 100 miles—an incredible feat for anyone, but especially meaningful since Pete had never gone beyond 50 miles before. Even more inspiring, his son Chase and sister Wendy joined him, each running the full 100 miles despite having never previously surpassed 25 miles. Watching them, a family of absolute beasts, dig deep and push through physical and mental barriers for a greater cause (raising $100k for an orphanage in Nepal) showed what true mental strength and service are all about. As I paced Pete for 30 miles—12 hours of shared effort—I learned that each step of pain or discomfort was muted by my focus on him and his mission. The difficulty of the challenge seemed to evaporate when my goal shifted from myself to someone else. It’s in the service of others that we become unhindered by fear or pain, elevated to a level we can never achieve working for ourselves alone.
Here in the U.S., we are privileged by the hard-won victories of those who came before us. The U.S. stock market stands at all-time highs, and I firmly believe that our best days lie ahead. If you’ve read enough history—fiction or nonfiction—you know that what we face today is not so different from what we’ve faced in the past. History may not repeat itself, but it certainly rhymes.
So, whether you’re enjoying a vegan hot dog or a full-on beef burger, I hope you celebrate this birthday of our great nation with gratitude. And by George, when you return from the beach, the mountains, the backyard barbecue, and the fireworks, come ready to invest in the future growth of our country and its great companies.
Happy Fourth of July to you and your families. I, for one, will be hitting the trails with friends, enjoying the pool with family, firing up the grill—and later, comforting London, our dog, who definitely doesn’t share my enthusiasm for fireworks.
Here’s to freedom, progress, and working every day to make our nation—and ourselves—better.
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Dane Czaplicki is CEO of Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Dane and the Members' Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients' unique situations. He believes everyone needs sound financial advice from someone whose interests are aligned with theirs, and is determined to put service before all else.
Dane received his MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, hiking and camping, reading, running, and playing with his dog. To learn more about Dane, connect with him on LinkedIn.
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