Our great nation turns 245 this weekend, and as the United States continues to recover from the pandemic, this Independence Day feels especially joyful. We hope that you can gather with friends and family after these many long, difficult months.
But as we flock to our favorite backyards, campgrounds, and beaches, it’s important to remember those who are working on our behalf around the clock—every single day of the year.
Since even before our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence, brave men and women have joined the ranks of the American military to defend our democracy. In this time of celebration, we are grateful to them: The servicemen and women who are deployed around the world, those working stateside, and the millions of American veterans who have fought under our flag.
At Cell Phones For Soldiers, we are constantly reminded that our military is hard at work protecting our country. Since 2004, we have provided more than 400 million minutes of free calling cards to deployed troops, and we’ve helped thousands of veterans with their needs at home.
We began our mission as the War on Terror was in full force. This year, we welcome home those troops returning from deployments in Afghanistan, and we approach the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in solemn remembrance for the lives lost since that day.
Although much has changed in the world and in America since our founding, Cell Phones For Soldiers remains committed to helping our military personnel: We continue to provide free talk time for our troops stationed in more than 80 countries, and we have expanded our Helping Heroes Home program to support incredible American organizations that serve our veterans. From partnerships with service-dog programs to donating funds to help veterans with physical and emotional injuries, we keep serving because our troops keep serving.
You can get involved by donating a cell phone, smartphone, or other small mobile device to Cell Phones For Soldiers. We accept devices of any age, whether they work or not. We recycle them securely and use income from the devices or their valuable parts to help our troops and veterans.
As you celebrate this incredibly special Fourth of July, we hope that you’re able to have fun and connect with people you love, and we ask that you keep our troops and veterans in your hearts.
