It is the 250^th Anniversary of our Country and we celebrate the home of the free, the land of the brave, and the opportunity to come together as one embodiment for future generations.  We have come a long way, baby!  We have learned that crimes of hatred, murders, and rampant discord among society exist all too often in our country.  Have we truly come a long way? 

If you were to ask me, I think we have.  Despite what our news tells us, we see that this generation coming up is reverting to some of our moral values as a free nation, brought up on God’s foundation. 

You may disagree with me, but I look at what is happening now – the FIFA World Cup  Countries are coming together and showing peace through the sport and foundation of soccer.

It has been 32 years since we hosted the FIFA World Cup.  This occurred in 1994.  That year brought about concerns.  We were not on solid ground with Major League Soccer in the United States and Canada.  Hispanic countries demonstrated that they were much more grounded and proficient in the sport than we were.  Nevertheless, we had a turnout of 3,587,538 attendees, averaging 68,991 per match.

Of course, there were issues, but there are in any given event.  Temperatures played an important role in the competition, and many had to seek first aid for heat exhaustion.  Still, the world of Soccer thrived.  The focus of youth soccer shifted from a tremendous opportunity for participation to a new developmental avenue for children.

Which brings me something close to my heart.  You see, we had a friend, no, more like a family member, who was 14 years old.  His name was Jake.  At 11 years old, Jake was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of pediatric brain cancer called a High-Grade Astrocytoma with Piloid Features (HGAP), also referred to as a high-grade glioma.

Jake had to travel back and forth from Germany to the United States.  He lived in St. Louis, Missouri.  When the American doctors could do no more for him, His parents would take him to Germany for medical trials to cure this insidious disease.

Jake fought hard and fiercely, but his battle ended on March 1, 2025.  His spirit was unique in that he loved the game of soccer.  Even battling fatigue, chemo, and other treatments, he always wanted to play soccer with his team.  The number that will always be Jake’s number is 47.   Strange, how the number 4 means stability and the number 7 means God’s completeness. Jake was the completeness of what an all American boy would represent.  Taken too early against this insidious disease, his family and friends alike will keep those numbers in remembrance, tucked so that number belongs to his legacy.

This year brought about the Jake Tallon 47-strong Inaugural Soccer tournament in St. Louis, Missouri.  This event brought together over 300 team players.  Parents, friends, and coaches helped bring in children who, for the first time, were there to play and support Jake and his family.  Volunteers and the community alike pulled together to have this event occur.  It was beyond imagination! 

Jake had a love for sunsets and soccer!  It is through his dreams that this legacy will live on.  Through his legacy, we will enable all children to learn and love the sport of soccer.  Perhaps among some of these children who venture to continue the sport in honor of Jake Tallon, one day they will play in the FIFA World Cup Championship.

Yes, in 2026, as we celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave, we can still ignite dreams that become reality.  We can still forge on for generations to come. 

Our country, not perfect, brings dreams that can still be positive, born out of each one for one!  We are a country that ensures that anything is possible, if only you believe!

Happy Birthday, America, and here is to another 250 years.  Let us keep the ball rolling!