Looking Ahead This Fourth of July: Reflections From the HMA Public Relations Team
As America celebrates 250 years this Fourth of July, it’s a fitting time to look ahead as much as we look back. Along with celebrating the holiday and the traditions that connect us comes an opportunity to reflect on what we’d like to carry into America’s next chapter.
To mark this historic milestone, we asked the HMA Public Relations team to share:
- America’s story is still being written. What’s one tradition, value or idea you hope future generations continue to carry forward? Why?
- Fill in the blank: Fourth of July isn’t complete without…
Here’s what our team had to say.
Abbie S. Fink
Looking ahead: One tradition I hope future generations carry forward is the belief that strong communities are built by people who show up for one another. The true spirit of America means connections with neighbors, business colleagues, family and friends. I hope that spirit of connection and shared responsibility continues to shape what comes next.
Fourth of July isn’t complete without… Watching the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on television from the comfort of my air-conditioned house!
Alison Bailin
Looking ahead: An idea I hope carries on, one that we have perhaps gotten away from over the past 15 years, has been joyfully apparent during the 2026 World Cup. That idea: celebrate our differences and enjoy them! Celebrate each other. Listen to each other. Hear each other. High-five each other. Be human. Unite as people. All of us.
Fourth of July isn’t complete without… Fireworks set to the soundtrack of “Party in the U.S.A.,” followed by “Born in the U.S.A.” (and yes, I get the irony, but let’s just enjoy the song), and finally “Proud to Be an American.”
Jennifer Schwegman
Looking ahead: Serving others and being there for their neighbors.
Fourth of July isn’t complete without… Time with family, eating BBQ, s’mores over the fire pit and watching fireworks from the boat over the lake up in the north woods of Minnesota.
K.C. Crabtree
Looking ahead: To me, the idea that America is for everyone, the land of opportunity, is the value I hope future generations carry forward. This country was built by people who left everything behind to start over somewhere new, and in a remarkably short time, it grew into one of the most influential nations in the world. I think we only get stronger when we stay the place that people still look to for their own new beginning.
Fourth of July isn’t complete without… A small-town parade.
Justin Liggin
Looking ahead: I hope we hold onto our curiosity about others and the world around us. Keep asking questions, engaging with others, listening with intention and staying open to new perspectives. Everyone has something to teach us if we’re willing to learn from one another. That’s how we build stronger relationships and communities where everyone feels connected.
Fourth of July isn’t complete without…A sunny day, a good playlist and time spent with friends and family.
However you’re celebrating, HMA Public Relations wishes you a safe, happy and meaningful Fourth of July. Our team will be out of the office in observance of the holiday and will return on Monday, July 6, 2026.
