On a day full of backyard grilling, fireworks, and overly competitive games of pick-up football, it’s important to take a few moments out of the celebration to remember those to serve this great nation, both past, present, and future.  Without the members of our military we could not call our country “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” 

                  The All Americans’ Parker Hills knows the importance of military service all too well as he comes from a long line of sailors, and hopes to one day serve in the Navy himself.  “My love for my country is the way I was raised. You can’t teach it,” said Hills. 

                  Hills has a passion for his country, but also for this nation’s pastime: the game of baseball.  His original plan was to combine these two passions by playing baseball at the Naval Academy.  However, when that did not work out he decided play baseball at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania and pursue a career in the Navy after graduating. 

                  “I decided that I was going to go to school and play baseball and see what comes up four years from now.  And four years from now is here and I still want to do it,” said Hills about his decision to join the Navy. 

                  Hills aspires to one day be a Navy SEAL, the Navy’s special operations force.  While the training is extremely rigorous and admittance into the SEALS is highly selective, Hills continues to pursue his dream of one day serving his country as a special operations soldier. 

                  Hills explained that his love for his country and his passion for baseball go hand in hand.  “It’s America’s pastime. We started it and it’s the most American game you can play,” said Hills. “America is baseball and baseball is America.”

                  When asked what he would do if he were to get called up to play in the big leagues, Hill said he would definitely play professional baseball but only for a few years before joining the Navy.  “I don’t think I could throw away my cleats just yet,” he said.  .

                  America was founded on the bravery of men who risked their lives in order to promote and protect liberty.  Without their service, today’s cookouts and backyard celebrations would not be possible.  So as we celebrate our independence today, do not forget to honor the heroes and heroines that ensure our freedom.  This includes the next generation of our country’s military such as Parker Hills.