A Moment of Patriotic Service in a Divided Nation

In a culture that often feels like it’s unraveling at the seams, every now and then a story breaks through that reminds me what’s still good about America. That’s exactly how I felt when I read about the volunteer-led effort to serve a full Wagyu beef barbecue meal to more than 8,500 soldiers and Army civilians during the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration in Washington, D.C.

The event, taking place on June 14—which is also Flag Day—is being organized by Army veteran John Rourke and his nonprofit team. Together with dozens of volunteers, they’re preparing thousands of pounds of high-quality food to honor those serving on the front lines. It’s called “BBQ for the Brave: 250 Strong,” and it’s not about headlines or politics. It’s about gratitude.

And honestly, I think we need more of that right now—more gratitude, more quiet strength, more patriotic service.

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When the Headlines Are Loud, This Kind of Service Speaks Louder

Let’s face it. Our news feeds are flooded with division. Political attacks. Cultural outrage. Even within the church, we’re seeing compromise and confusion.

But then you come across a story like this—an act of simple, sacrificial service. No shouting. No spectacle. Just Americans giving their time, their effort, and their resources to bless those who serve and protect this nation. And it reminds me that all hope is not lost.

There’s something sacred about honoring others without expecting anything in return. Especially when that honor is directed toward our military—men and women who often go unrecognized for what they quietly do every day.

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The Biblical Call to Serve and Honor

This event isn’t just patriotic—it’s biblical. Scripture is filled with reminders that honoring others, especially those in positions of sacrifice, is close to God’s heart.

“Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
“Let us not grow weary in doing good.” – Galatians 6:9
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13

This is real Christianity lived out—meeting needs, building up others, and expressing gratitude not just in words, but in action. When I read about volunteers serving Wagyu beef to soldiers—not because they had to, but because they wanted to—it made me think of how Christ calls us to lead through service. To be salt and light in a world full of bitterness and blame.

It’s the same heart of conviction that led me to write about standing with God’s people in times of conflict. If you haven’t read it, I shared more of my thoughts in this post: Support Israel.

And for more on how faith connects with justice and gratitude, I also wrote about that here: Biblical Justice.

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A Quick Note on the Date—and a Leader Who Backed It

It’s worth noting that June 14 isn’t just Flag Day—it’s also Donald Trump’s birthday. While I don’t want this piece to be about him, it’s fair to acknowledge his role in encouraging this event to take place on that date. For all the criticism he gets—some of it earned—Trump has always been vocal in his support for the American people, especially our troops and law enforcement. That kind of backing matters, and it deserves to be recognized in the context of a celebration like this.

Sure, he throws jabs at his political opponents and has a reputation for fiery tweets. But behind all that, his consistent stand for the people who serve this country has been clear. And in a time when so many elected officials seem distant or indifferent, that kind of unwavering support is worth pointing out.

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This Is What America Still Gets Right

What struck me most about this story is that no one was doing it for a camera. No one was going viral. They were just doing good. Feeding soldiers. Showing love. Demonstrating honor.

And that’s the America I still believe in. The one where we don’t have to agree on every policy to show up for one another. The one where love for country still includes love for neighbor.

This wasn’t a small-scale gathering. The Army’s 250th celebration features around 6,600 soldiers, nearly 150 military vehicles, over 50 helicopters, and a massive evening parade down Constitution Avenue in D.C. The event includes a public festival, flyovers, and fireworks—and it’s expected to cost between $25 and $45 million. That’s how seriously this milestone is being taken. And yet in the middle of all that scale, what stood out most to me was the humility of a few Americans choosing to serve—quietly, generously, and patriotically.

(For official details on the Army’s 250th celebration, visit the U.S. Army’s official anniversary page.)

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Let’s Follow Their Lead

I hope this story encourages you the way it encouraged me. Not just to feel good for a moment, but to do good where you are. Whether that means checking in on a veteran, volunteering locally, or simply saying thank you to someone in uniform, we all have a role to play in strengthening this nation.

And it doesn’t have to be loud to matter. Sometimes, the quiet acts of patriotic service are the ones that speak the loudest.

Arch Kennedy
Bold, Unfiltered, and Unafraid