 |
| Image by Paul Whiting https://give.uso.org/page/2604_tshirt_2a |
More Unites Us Than Divides Us!
(Or, "An Independence Day Poem")
We all have our differences—of that there is no doubt—
as we are a deeply divided country with seemingly no out!
However, the history of our country is not made out of
whole cloth, since it is much more like a patchwork quilt,
with all of its many flaws, variety and colorful vibrance.
So, it is true that more invites us than derides us!
And that is why more unites us than divides us!
Let us dutifully remember the rebellious beginning of our
multicultural democracy, since our founders rejected the
cruel rule of a tyrannical king and his oppressive army.
So, it is true that more invites us than derides us!
And that is why more unites us than divides us!
This is the reason our nation is similar to blended metals,
such as bronze, brass, or steel, which can be much better
than pure metals, because we are a lot stronger together.
So, it is true that more invites us than derides us!
And that is why more unites us than divides us!
For, our nation was not created out of one similar kind
of people, from only one land, but out of a lot of different
kinds of people, from many lands, who became one people.
So, it is true that more invites us than derides us!
And that is why more unites us than divides us!
That is why "e pluribus unum" (which is Latin for
"out of many, one") was written on the Great Seal of
the United States, as a theme and motto for America.
And there is much more that can be said—which is totally
true—about the diversified unity of the red, white and blue!
-Paul Whiting
(a.k.a., A Creative Writer)
"I maybe say too much about how life really is!"
-------------------------------------------------------------------
My Writing Notes:
The reason that I wrote this particular poem can be summed up with the following statement: "Happy 250th Birthday, America!"
This is actually my second poem with the alternative title, "An Independence Day Poem." And my first alternatively titled "An Independence Day Poem" was written for the 234th Birthday of the United States of America on July 4th, 2010. The main title of that poem is "Between All Of Us."
By the way, If you wish to read that first "An Independence Day Poem," please see my blog post titled, "For the 234th Birthday of the United States of America," which can be found on my "Small All White in the Forest — Poet" blog, as well as on my blog post titled, "For Democracy, Part 4 — The Birthday of the United States of America," which can be found on my "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blog.
And I actually started writing this new "An Independence Day Poem" on February 14th, 2026—Valentine's Day—which is when I first thought of the title, "More Unites Us Than Divides Us," since this title is taken from a statement that I have heard repeatedly in the news about how deeply divided our country is these days, during this politically turbulent time.
You see, when I am writing, I will often first think of a title, which conveys what I am planning to eventually say in a poem, before I have even written one word of that poem. However, at other times, I think of all the words in a poem first, and then I will think of a title later on, sometimes even based upon some of the words in the poem.
In addition to that, even though I originally wrote this poem as an 'update' to the above-mentioned blog posts regarding my poem for the 234th birthday of America, I decided to publish it July 4th, 2026, as a blog post on all of my blogs—despite the fact that I have not published any new blog posts since December 31st, 2022—because I felt that the message in this poem was really important to help unite our divided country!
Just so you know, I revised this poem, as I often do with my writing! And I changed how this poem was written as I was writing it. So, I wanted to show you how this poem used to be written, before I revised it as above.
And it used to be written like this:
More Unites Us Than Divides Us
(Or, "An Independence Day Poem")
We all have our differences—of that there is no doubt!
We are a deeply divided country with seemingly no out!
Yet, the history of our country is not made out of whole
cloth, because it is much more like a patchwork quilt,
with its many flaws, variety and colorful vibrance.
So, it is true that more invites us than derides us!
And that is why more unites us than divides us!
And let us remember the turbulent beginning of our
rebellious country, as our founders rejected the rule
of a petty, tyrannical king and his oppressive army.
So, it is true that more invites us than derides us!
And that is why more unites us than divides us!
This is why our country is like blended metals, such
as bronze, brass, or steel, which can be much better
than pure metals, because we are stronger together.
So, it is true that more invites us than derides us!
And that is why more unites us than divides us!
For, our country was not created out of only one kind
of people—from one land—but out of many different
kinds of people—from many lands—who became one.
So, it is true that more invites us than derides us!
And that is why more unites us than divides us!
Thus, that is why "e pluribus unum" (which is latin for
"out of many, one") was written on the Great Seal of
the United States as a theme and motto for America.
And there is so much more to say here that is totally true
about the differentiated unity of the red, white and blue!
Therefore, I revised this poem to be written as it is above.
And this poem was published on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher," "Three Dark Horses," "Small All White in the Forest" and "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" blogs (please see the hyperlinks below for the blogs), since I feel that the message in this poem applies to the message I am trying to convey through "Poet, Artist and Philosopher," "Three Dark Horses," "Small All White in the Forest" and "Paul Whiting — Math Magician."
This poem was written in Portland, Oregon.
-Paulee
https://poetartistandphilosopher.blogspot.com
https://threedarkhorses.blogspot.com
https://smallallwhiteintheforest.blogspot.com
https://paulwhitingmath.blogspot.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: THIS POEM HAS CONTENT THAT MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!
Between All Of Us
(Or, "An Independence Day Poem")
All of God's creation is joyfully,
gloriously, and so abundantly,
standing between all of us.
The love of God for this great
country of ours is proudly
blooming between all of us.
America's amber waves of grain,
and her fruited plains, are forever
unfolding between all of us.
The Constitution is a binding
testament to the liberty that
lives between all of us.
Our Founding Fathers' balanced,
hard, and proud, accomplishments
breath freely between all of us.
The Liberty Bell silently peels
truly, faithfully, and incredibly
deeply between all of us.
The Statue of Liberty keeps
her flame of freedom burning
brightly between all of us.
The Washington Monument
rises above the fear of change for
some of those between all of us.
The Lincoln Memorial speaks
quietly of the peaceful patriotism
that exists between all of us.
Old Glory herself is waving loud
and proud for the love of America
that thrives between all of us.
And only our great love for this
wonderful country of ours could
ever come between all of us.
So, let us all pledge our allegiance
to the one nation under God
that stands between all of us.
-Paul Whiting (written for July 4th, 2010 and subsequently revised)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: THIS POEM HAS CONTENT THAT MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!
Happy Independence Day!
(Or, "A '4th of July' Poem")
God's Creation in its totality is perfect.
The United States of America
within God's Creation is imperfect.
Since July 4th, 1776, this "Great
Experiment in Democracy has
been a 'melting pot' of immigrants
from other countries...
...For example, some immigrants,
who came from England, invaded
Native American lands—and
committed genocide of the Native
American people—in order to gain
independence from Great Britain
(which is the basis of the
Independence Day, or the
"4th of July" celebration)...
...And other immigrants who came
from Africa, were forced to come
to America as slaves, which was
the cause of the Civil War (and
which is the basis of the "Juneteenth"
celebration, when African-American
slaves were notified, in Texas, by Union
General Gordon Granger on June 19th,
1865—two years after the Emancipation
Proclamation of January 1st, 1863—
that they had been freed)...
...And African-Americans are
still treated as if they are slaves—
because they are actively exploited,
marginalized and even killed by the
'white masters of slavery' (which is
the basis of the "Black Lives Matter"
movement that began in 2013)...
...Therefore, if Americans wish to
create "A More Perfect Union," then
we need to stop thinking, feeling
and acting as if we are more perfect
than the totality of God's Creation.
–Paul Whiting (written July 3rd, 2021 for Independence Day, or the "4th of July," revised July 4th, 2022 and revised May 14th, 2023)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
July 4th, 2026 Update No. 1, Written On February 14th, 2026, February 16th, 2026, February 17th, 2026, March 3rd, 2026, June 2nd, 2026, June 28th, 2026, July 1st, 2026 And July 3rd, 2026 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2" Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog):
Happy Independence Day, everyone!
The following is actually my second poem with the alternative title, "An Independence Day Poem." And my first alternatively titled "An Independence Day Poem" was written for the 234th Birthday of the United States of America on July 4th, 2010. The main title of that poem is "Between All Of Us."
By the way, If you wish to read that first "An Independence Day Poem," please see my blog post titled, "For the 234th Birthday of the United States of America," which can be found on my "Small All White in the Forest — Poet" blog, as well as on my blog post titled, "For Democracy, Part 4 — The Birthday of the United States of America," which can be found on my "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blog.
And I actually started writing this new "An Independence Day Poem" on February 14th, 2026—Valentine's Day—which is when I first thought of the title, "More Unites Us Than Divides Us," since this title is taken from a statement that I have heard repeatedly in the news about how deeply divided our country is these days, during this politically turbulent time.
You see, when I am writing, I will often first think of a title, which conveys what I am planning to eventually say in a poem, before I have even written one word of that poem. However, at other times, I think of all the words in a poem first, and then I will think of a title later on, sometimes even based upon some of the words in the poem.
In addition to that, even though I originally wrote this poem as an 'update' to the above-mentioned blog posts regarding my poem for the 234th birthday of America, I decided to publish it July 4th, 2026, as a blog post on all of my blogs—despite the fact that I have not published any new blog posts since December 31st, 2022—because I felt that the message in this poem was really important to help unite our divided country!
Thus, I decided to write this new poem "More Unites Us Than Divides Us" for the 250th Birthday of the United States of America, on July 4th, 2026, with the alternative title, "An Independence Day Poem," as follows:
More Unites Us Than Divides Us!
(Or, "An Independence Day Poem")
We all have our differences—of that there is no doubt—
as we are a deeply divided country with seemingly no out!
However, the history of our country is not made out of
whole cloth, since it is much more like a patchwork quilt,
with all of its many flaws, variety and colorful vibrance.
So, it is true that more invites us than derides us!
And that is why more unites us than divides us!
Let us dutifully remember the rebellious beginning of our
multicultural democracy, since our founders rejected the
cruel rule of a tyrannical king and his oppressive army.
So, it is true that more invites us than derides us!
And that is why more unites us than divides us!
This is the reason our nation is similar to blended metals,
such as bronze, brass, or steel, which can be much better
than pure metals, because we are a lot stronger together.
So, it is true that more invites us than derides us!
And that is why more unites us than divides us!
For, our nation was not created out of one similar kind
of people, from only one land, but out of a lot of different
kinds of people, from many lands, who became one people.
So, it is true that more invites us than derides us!
And that is why more unites us than divides us!
That is why "e pluribus unum" (which is Latin for
"out of many, one") was written on the Great Seal of
the United States, as a theme and motto for America.
And there is much more which can be said—that is totally
true—about the diversified unity of the red, white and blue!
–Paul Whiting (originally written on February 14th, 2026, on February 16th, 2026, on February 17th, 2026, on March 3rd, 2026, on June 2nd, 2026, on June 28th, 2026, on July 1st, 2026 and on July 3rd, 2026, then revised July 4th, 2026)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
July 4th, 2026 Update No. 2, Written On July 5th, 2026, Which Also Discusses July 3rd, 2026 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2" Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog):
Happy Independence Day, everyone! I recently received two communications from the USO (United Service Organizations).
And the first communication, which I received on July 3rd, 2026, was a mailer from the USO, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read as follows:
Special CHALLENGE CAMPAIGN Inside
[Business name redacted]
challenges you to join
them today in support
of our heroes.
And an additional 'back teaser message' has with the following text:
Please scan the QR code or visit uso.org/givetoday to donate online.
https://give.uso.org/page/R607_july1
URGENT DEADLINE
Please reply by August 15, 2026
And the mailer above stated the following:
[I used to hand-type the text of the documents from these types of mailers on my smartphone; however, it takes a lot of time and energy in order to hand-type these kinds of documents: so, instead, I scanned and copied the documents using Google Lens! Then, I edited the copy of said documents to include all of the italicizing, bolding and/or underscoring where applicable.]
★★★ USO ★★★
FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SERVE.™
Paul,
Our friends at [business name redacted] are challenging supporters like YOU to join together and raise additional funds for our heroic troops by August 15.
Dear Mr. Whiting,
More than 200,000 Americans are currently serving overseas.
They do so in environments that can change in an instant, often under intense pressure and far from home. Their commitment does not waver — and neither should our resolve to support them. I firmly believe that standing behind our nation's service members is a responsibility we all share.
That's why I want to personally thank you for your recent gift of $7 on 10/30/2024. Your commitment helps ensure that service members and their families are never forgotten, no matter where duty takes them.
[Blogger's Note: The above referenced "gift of $7 on 10/30/2024" was the last donation that I made to the USO in October 2024, as explained in my 'October 30th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses October 26th, 2024.' Please see my blog post titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," which can be found on my "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" blog, as well as my blog post titled, "My Point Of View On...Giving Charity And Accepting Charity," which can be found on both of my "Paul Whiting — Math Magician" and "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blogs, within which you can do a find-in-page search for the 'update' labeled, "October 30th, 2024 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses October 26th, 2024"]
I also wanted you to be among the first to hear this important news.
Our longtime partners at [business name redacted] have generously committed $50,000 to support our troops through new USO programs and Center operations. They have issued a challenge to supporters like you to match that gift dollar for dollar by August 15, raising an additional $50,000 to further strengthen the USO's mission.
Meeting this challenge means expanding the reach of the USO — ensuring we can continue to support service members wherever they serve by keeping them connected to family, home and country.
Mr. Whiting, I'm reaching out to you today as someone who cares about our military to ask you to do two things:
First, I hope you will take a moment to sign the enclosed Thank You for Your Service card and return it in the postage paid envelope provided. I will make sure your message reaches service members serving in places like Somalia, South Korea, Iraq, Kuwait and other locations where a note from home can mean more than words can express.
Then, I ask that you consider sending a gift of $10, $15, $20 or whatever you feel is most meaningful to help us meet this challenge. Your support will help provide vital services — including in forward and remote locations where conditions can make it difficult to operate traditional USO centers — ensuring morale and connection remain strong for those on the front lines.
You can count on the USO to use your gift, along with [business name redacted] generous contribution, wisely and responsibly. Thanks to supporters like you, we operate more than 260 USO locations worldwide, offering service members a place of comfort, a friendly face and a reminder that their service matters.
Your generosity helps make possible free phone calls, WiFi and video chats home — simple connections that strengthen families and sustain morale, even from thousands of miles away.
As you know, the USO is not a government agency. We rely entirely on donors like you who believe in standing with those who serve. With partners like you and [business name redacted], we are able to meet that responsibility.
Thank you for all you do to support America's service members and their families.
For the People Who Serve,
[Name redacted]
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army, Retired
[Title redacted], USO
P.S. Please consider sending your best gift by August 15 to help meet the [business name redacted] Challenge. Your support makes a real difference for the men and women who serve — and for that, we are truly grateful.
GIVE ONLINE uso.org/givetoday
https://give.uso.org/page/R607_july1
Your generous gift may not be matched if we reach the maximum match amount before receiving it, in which case, your important contribution will be used where it is needed most to strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America's military and their families.
---------------------------------------------
[Side one of the enclosed Thank You for Your Service card with the following text:]
Thank You for Your Service!
[Side two of the enclosed Thank You for Your Service card with the following text:]
Please know that wherever you are,what you do for our nation isdeeply appreciated.All of us here at home standwith you in spirit.Your courage protects our way of life.Your sacrifices preserve our freedom.May you remain safe and return hometo a thankful nation.With gratitude from this grateful American,Signed Paul WhitingProud supporter of YOU and the USO!Signed on July 4th, 2026Happy 4th of July 2026!Please sign here and return to the USO with your generous donation. Your message of support will be displayed at USO locations worldwide.★★★ USO ★★★FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SERVE.™
---------------------------------------------
★I Accept the Challenge to Support Our Military Heroes★
YES, I accept the [business name redacted] Challenge!
Enclosed is my renewal gift of:
[ ] $10
[ ] $15
[ ] $20
My best gift of $10.40
Please use my renewal gift to match their generous $50,000 gift in support of our troops.
DEADLINE: August 15, 2026
Mr. Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Please enclose your check payable to: The USO. To donate using your credit card, please use the reverse side of this form. Your gift is tax deductible as allowed by law. Thank you for your generosity.
"QR code message": Please scan the QR code or visit uso.org/givetoday to donate online.
https://give.uso.org/page/R607_july1
★★★ USO ★★★
FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SERVE.™
[Street Address and Ste. No. redacted],
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
And, after I read the letter above, I entered the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
★★★ USO ★★★
Match your gift and support America's service members today!
As we celebrate the 250 years of America this July 4th, we cannot forget the brave heroes who sacrifice so much to serve and protect our country. For a limited time, every dollar you give will be MATCHED by our partners at [business name redacted] so please: Rush a donation to help the USO provide critical programs and services to our heroes in uniform.
[Business name redacted] is matching all gifts to the USO, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $50,000, through August 15, 2026.
Secure donation
[✓] Give once
[ ] ❤ Monthly
[ ] $450
[ ] $250
[ ] $100
[ ] $70
[ ] $45
[ ] $20
[✓] $10.40
Become a monthly supporter
Would you consider becoming one of our valued monthly supporters by converting your $10.40 contribution into a monthly donation.
Ongoing monthly donations allow us to better focus in our mission.
[ ] ❤ Donate $10/month
[ ] Donate $5/month
[✓] Keep my one-time $10.40 gift
Enter your details
First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
Phone number (optional): [redacted]
Donate as an organization: N/A
Double your impact
Many employers have a donation matching program that will double or triple the value of your donation.
Just enter the name of your employer, and we'll see if your impact can be amplified!
Your company (optional): N/A
Enter your address
Street address: [redacted]
Apartment/suite/floor: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip code: [redacted]
You donate $10.40 USD
[ ] Cover transaction costs
Donate
And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "As we celebrate the 250 years of America this July 4th, we cannot forget the brave heroes who sacrifice so much to serve and protect our country. For a limited time, every dollar you give will be MATCHED by our partners at [business name redacted] so please: Rush a donation to help the USO provide critical programs and services to our heroes in uniform."
Then, after I made said donation, I received an email from the USO on July 4th, 2026, with the subject line, "Thank You for Your Donation to the USO", which stated the following:
★★★ USO ★★★
[Picture of "a soldier kneeling to embrace a child in an airport setting, conveying a message of reunion and support, with the USO logo on the left."]
Thank you for your generous $10.40 USD donation!
Dear Paul Whiting,
Thank you for your generous tax-deductible gift in support of the USO.
Donation Amount: $10.40 USD
Donation ID: [redacted]
Donation Date: Jul 4, 2026
Email: [redacted]
Your gift honors the service and sacrifice our troops make for us every day and will provide comfort and support to them and their families.
As a reminder, your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by federal law. And if there is a premium associated with your donation, please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
If you have any questions or would like to contact the USO, please call [phone number redacted].
-Your friends at the USO
In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via regular mail, email or text message. (I also donate for particular calendar observances, such as Independence Day!) Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.
By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:
"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."
So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO!
And the second communication, which I received on, July 4th, 2026, was a text message from the USO, which stated the following:
Paul, on America’s 250th birthday, honor the heroes past and present who have made our freedoms possible. 𝗥𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗮 𝟰𝗫-𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 to help the USO provide meals and other critical programs for our troops. This 4X match is for a limited time. Donate now:***
***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]
And, after I read the text message above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
★★★ USO ★★★
Your gift will be MATCHED 4X for service members as we celebrate America's 250th birthday!
Give a gift today to help send Fourth of July meals and other critical services to the heroes who defend our freedoms. Right now, your donation will be matched 4X, up to $50,000, thanks to our friends at [business name redacted]! Through this special QUADRUPLE match, you can help provide even more vital support for our brave service members deployed around the world. Can our heroes in uniform count on your support?
[Business name redacted] is matching all gifts to the USO up to a total of $50,000, through July 31, 2026. Your donation will be used where it is needed most. The USO is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization.
Secure donation
[✓] Give once
[ ] ❤ Monthly
[ ] $15
[ ] $25
[ ] $50
[ ] $75
[ ] $100
[ ] $250
[✓] $5
Become a monthly supporter
Would you consider becoming one of our valued monthly supporters by converting your $5 contribution into a monthly donation.
Ongoing monthly donations allow us to better focus in our mission.
[ ] ❤ Donate $5/month
[✓] Keep my one-time $5 gift
Enter your details
First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
Phone number (optional): [redacted]
Donate as an organization: N/A
Double your impact
Many employers have a donation matching program that will double or triple the value of your donation.
Just enter the name of your employer, and we'll see if your impact can be amplified!
Your company (optional): N/A
Enter your address
Street address: [redacted]
Apartment/suite/floor: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip code: [redacted]
You donate $5 USD
[ ] Cover transaction costs
Donate
And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "Give a gift today to help send Fourth of July meals and other critical services to the heroes who defend our freedoms. Right now, your donation will be matched 4X, up to $50,000, thanks to our friends at [business name redacted]! Through this special QUADRUPLE match, you can help provide even more vital support for our brave service members deployed around the world."
Then, after I made said donation, I received an email from the USO on July 4th, 2026, with the subject line, "Thank You for Your Donation to the USO", which stated the following:
★★★ USO ★★★
[Picture of "a soldier kneeling to embrace a child in an airport setting, conveying a message of reunion and support, with the USO logo on the left."]
Thank you for your generous $5.00 USD donation!
Dear Paul Whiting,
Thank you for your generous tax-deductible gift in support of the USO.
Donation Amount: $5.00 USD
Donation ID: [redacted]
Donation Date: Jul 4, 2026
Email: [redacted]
Your gift honors the service and sacrifice our troops make for us every day and will provide comfort and support to them and their families.
As a reminder, your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by federal law. And if there is a premium associated with your donation, please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
If you have any questions or would like to contact the USO, please call [phone number redacted].
In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via regular mail, email or text message. (I also donate for particular calendar observances, such as Independence Day!) Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.
By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:
"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."
So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO!
Besides that, in observance of Independence Day, I did a search on Google for "The USO 4th of July" and found an article on the USO.org website titled, "A USO Photo Essay of 4th of July Celebrations Through Time." A brief introduction to the article can be found below:
"A USO Photo Essay of 4th of July Celebrations Through Time" from the USO
Thursday, Jul 2, 2026
On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will celebrate 250 years of American independence. Each July, we gather to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and to celebrate how far we have come as a nation.
And we would not be here without the people whose service carries America forward.
As we attend our 4th of July BBQs, service members around the globe will carry on their missions, continuing to defend the freedoms we declared more than two centuries ago. We, as the USO, stand proudly beside them – offering support and a celebration of America’s birthday at bases and USO Centers around the globe.
See below for just a few of the many 4th of July celebrations hosted by the USO throughout military history, and learn more how you can join us in raising a toast to the members of our Armed Forces this Fourth of July here. ...
Please see the hyperlink below for the article:
https://www.uso.org/stories/4143-a-uso-photo-essay-of-4th-of-july-celebrations-through-time
And also from the Google search for "The USO 4th of July," I found the following USO (United Service Organizations) search result:
United Service Organizations
https://www.uso.org > ...
America 250: For the People Who Serve
On July 4, raise a glass to the people whose service carries America forward. When service members feel connected and supported, they are better able to meet... Read more
https://www.uso.org/a250
And, after I read the search results above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
Celebrating America's 250th By Honoring The People Who Serve
In celebration of America’s 250th, the USO is bringing people together through United We Toast, a nationwide show of support for the people whose service carries America forward. Raise a toast, share your support and remind service members and military families that you stand beside them wherever they serve.
Join the Toast
A Special Thank You To Our Toast Partners
Thank you to the organizations that made an early commitment to ensuring service members feel the full weight of our nation’s gratitude this Fourth of July.
---------------------------------------------
SEND A TOAST
Long hours. Missed holidays. Months away from the people they love. That's the reality of service, and it doesn't stop for this milestone. Send a message of gratitude and the USO will deliver it directly to service members at centers and on installations worldwide. This toast is for them.
Select Message
[ ] Commitment like yours is what has kept our country strong for 250 years!
[ ] You have my deepest gratitude for the sacrifices you and your family make.
[ ] Raising a toast to you & the sirength il lakes to do whal you do every day.
[ ] What you do matters! Stay safe and stay strong.
Add Custom Message:
More Unites Us Than Divides Us!
We all have our differences of that there is no doubt...
https://paulwhitingwriting.blogspot.com/2026/07/for-250th-birthday-of-united-states-of.html
-Paul Whiting
3 characters remaining
Sincerely,
First Name
Paul
Last Name
Whiting
Email* (required) [redacted]
SHARE MESSAGE
---------------------------------------------
THANK YOU
Your message is on its way!
Thank you for sending your message of support.
With a donation, you can help the USO reach even more service members with programs that strengthen well-being through every step of their service to our nation.
[ ] $35
[ ] $50
[ ] $100
[ ] $250
[ ] $500
[ ] $1,000
[ ] $1,500
[✓] OTHER
---------------------------------------------
★★★ USO ★★★
Donate to support our service members
Our service members keep our nation safe. And we work hard to keep them connected to home — but we can't do that without support from military supporters like you. Our heroes are counting on you to be a part of this important work for our country. So please, donate now.
By donating, you agree to allow the USO to use your gift, combined with others, in a matching gift fund. Your donation will be used where it is needed most. The USO is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization.
Secure donation
[✓] Give once
[ ] ❤ Monthly
[ ] $300
[ ] $170
[ ] $85
[ ] $55
[ ] $35
[ ] $15
[✓] $5
Become a monthly supporter
Would you consider becoming one of our valued monthly supporters by converting your $5 contribution into a monthly donation.
Ongoing monthly donations allow us to better focus in our mission.
[ ] ❤ Donate $5/month
[✓] Keep my one-time $5 gift
Enter your details
First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
Phone number (optional): [redacted]
Double your impact
Many employers have a donation matching program that will double or triple the value of your donation.
Just enter the name of your employer, and we'll see if your impact can be amplified!
Your company (optional): N/A
Enter your address
Street address: [redacted]
Apartment/suite/floor: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip code: [redacted]
You donate $5 USD
[ ] Cover transaction costs
Donate
And so, I made a one-time donation on the USO.org website in order to support the USO's following statement: "Long hours. Missed holidays. Months away from the people they love. That's the reality of service, and it doesn't stop for this milestone. Send a message of gratitude and the USO will deliver it directly to service members at centers and on installations worldwide. This toast is for them."
Then, after I made said donation, I received an email from the USO on July 4th, 2026, with the subject line, "Thank You for Your Donation to the USO", which stated the following:
★★★ USO ★★★
[Picture of "a soldier kneeling to embrace a child in an airport setting, conveying a message of reunion and support, with the USO logo on the left."]
Thank you for your generous $5.00 USD donation!
Dear Paul Whiting,
Thank you for your generous tax-deductible gift in support of the USO.
Donation Amount: $5.00 USD
Donation ID: [redacted]
Donation Date: Jul 4, 2026
Email: [redacted]
Your gift honors the service and sacrifice our troops make for us every day and will provide comfort and support to them and their families.
As a reminder, your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by federal law. And if there is a premium associated with your donation, please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
If you have any questions or would like to contact the USO, please call [phone number redacted].
-Your friends at the USO
In addition to that, I already make a recurring monthly donation to the USO in order to show my support for our U.S. Military Personnel! You see, I usually make one-time donations to the USO—as often as I can manage when they request a donation via regular mail, email or text message. (I also donate for particular calendar observances, such as Independence Day!) Therefore, I am planning to continue making one-time donations to the USO in the future, as often as I can manage, in addition to making the aforementioned recurring monthly donation.
By the way, did you know that the USO is a not-for-profit organization and not part of the Department of Defense (DoD)? The following description of the USO is from their 'About Us' webpage:
"The USO is not part of the federal government. A congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities, and is powered by a family of volunteers to accomplish our mission of connection."
So, that is why I 'volunteer financially' as a member of the "USO Home Team" through a recurring monthly donation, as well as through one-time donations to the USO! –Paul Whiting (written July 5th, 2026 and revised July 6th, 2026)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
July 4th, 2026 Update No. 3, Written On July 6th, 2026 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2" Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog): Happy Independence Day, everyone!
I received a text message on July 4th, 2026 from Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), which stated the following:
From Team WWP: Paul, today we honor 250 years of freedom — and 250 years of sacrifice.
Wounded warriors gave so much to make this moment possible. And today is your chance to give back with 2X the impact.
Please DONATE BY MIDNIGHT so [business name redacted] can match your Independence Day gift $1-for-$1 up to $250K.***
***[I used to include hyperlinks contained within the email messages, or the text messages, to which I am referring in these "Activism Updates"; however, I could not figure out how to include the aforementioned hyperlinks, regarding some relevant action that I had taken—such as signing a petition, sending a letter or message to my representative(s) in Congress, signing a USO 'Thank You' card, and/or making a donation—without including my personal information.]
And, after I read the text message above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
Donate Now
For America's 250th anniversary, your gift DOUBLES to help those who fought for our freedom.
This year marks 250 years of American freedom and sacrifice. But it has a cost. Warriors who fought for us and came home with lifelong injuries are still paying the price. Your Independence Day gift to support them in their recoveries will be MATCHED $1-for-$1 by [business name redacted]. Donate now to help us meet our $250,000 Independence Day goal!
• Your gift of $50 will be doubled to $100
• Your gift of $75 will be doubled to $150
• Your gift of $100 will be doubled to $200
America's 250th will only come around once. Please give as generously as you can to make 2X the impact.
[WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT AMERICA 250 LOGO]
Choose A Gift
[✓] One-Time Gift
[ ] Monthly Gift
You'll make the most impact for our wounded warriors when you support them with a monthly gift. As a monthly donor of $19 or more, you will receive a Wounded Warrior Project® fleece blanket.
[ ] $250
[ ] $150
[ ] $100
[ ] $75
[ ] $50
[✓] $10
[ ] Make this a gift in honor or memory of an individual.
Your Information
First Name: Paul
Last Name: Whiting
Address Line 1: [redacted]
Address Line 2 (Not Required): [redacted]
Country [redacted]
ZIP Code [redacted]
City [redacted]
State [redacted]
Phone Number (Not Required) [redacted]
Email Address [redacted]
[✓] Yes, I would like to receive communications from WWP with updates on warriors and programs.
[ ] This donation is on behalf of a company.
[ ] Yes, I would like to cover the 3% processing fee.
Donate $10.00
And so, I made a one-time donation to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), because "today [they] honor 250 years of freedom — and 250 years of sacrifice," since "wounded warriors gave so much to make this moment possible. And today is [my] chance to give back with 2X the impact." That is why I "[DONATED] BY MIDNIGHT so [business name redacted] [could] match [my] Independence Day gift $1-for-$1 up to $250K." –Paul Whiting (July 6th, 2026)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
July 4th, 2026 Update No. 4, Written On July 6th, 2026 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2" Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog): Happy Independence Day, everyone!
For the 4th of July 2026, I made a one-time donation to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), as can be seen below:
IAVA
[✓] One time
[ ] Monthly
Choose a one-time amount
[ ] $100
[ ] $200
[ ] $500
[ ] $1,000
[✓] USD $10
---------------------------------------------
Donor Options
One-time donation
$10.00 USD
Dedicate my donation
Leave a comment
This donation is for the 250th Birthday of the United States of America!
---------------------------------------------
Donor Information
First Name
Paul
Last Name
Whiting
[ ] Hide my donation amount from the public.
[redacted]
[✓] It's okay to contact me in the future.
Phone Number
[redacted]
---------------------------------------------
Choose Payment
[ ] Cover transaction fees
I'd like to cover the fees associated with my donation so more of my donation goes directly to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
Transactions are secure and encrypted
---------------------------------------------
Donation information
Amount: $10.00
Frequency: one-time
Confirmation: [redacted]
A copy of your receipt will be sent to:
[Email redacted]
Thus, I donated on Independence Day in order to show my support for IAVA and for our U.S. Veterans. –Paul Whiting (July 6th, 2026)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
July 4th, 2026 Update No. 5, Written On July 6th, 2026 (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was, Part 2" Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog): Happy Independence Day, everyone!
For the 4th of July 2026, I made a one-time donation to Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), as can be seen below:
CELEBRATE FREEDOM.
SUPPORT FAMILIES.
As America celebrates 250 years of freedom, stand with the military families who help make it possible. Your gift provides food, child care, and stability when it matters most.
GIVE NOW
ARMED SERVICES YMCA
---------------------------------------------
THE ARMED SERVICES YMCA
Your Donation Supports Military Families
A strong military depends on strong families. Your gift to the ASYMCA helps junior enlisted servicemembers and their families navigate the unique challenges of military life, so no family is left behind.
Thanks for serving America's military families as they bravely serve ours.
[✓] One-time
[ ] Monthly
Choose a one-time amount
[ ] $50
[ ] $100
[ ] $200
[ ] $500
[✓] USD $10.00
[ ] Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone
Your Information
Title
Mr.
First Name
Paul
Last Name
Whiting
[ ] Hide my name from the public.
[redacted]
Your receipt will be emailed here.
[✓] It's OK to contact me in the future.
Address
[redacted]
Address 2
[redacted]
ZIP
[redacted]
City
[redacted]
State
[redacted]
Country
[redacted]
Phone Number
[redacted]
Leave a comment:
This donation is for the 250th Birthday of the United States of America!
Company N/A
One-time donation
$10.00 USD
[ ] I'd like to cover the fees associated with my donation so more of my donation goes directly to Armed Services YMCA.
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for your donation!
Thus, I donated on Independence Day in order to show my support for ASYMCA and for enlisted service members and their families. –Paul Whiting (July 6th, 2026)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" Post No. 334 was edited on July 6th, 2026.
"Poetry is using the fewest words possible in order to describe all that is possible to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]
