Independence Day Far from Home: An Inside Look at Service Members' Celebrations

Across the U.S., the Fourth of July is a day of importance and national pride. It means independence and represents peak summer with gatherings, food, sun and fireworks. For service members deployed to Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Independence Day looks a little different this year. While some people are stationed abroad with their family and some are working in austere locations, both are experiencing an Independence Day that feels a little different.

At the USO, we understand how meaningful the holidays are–especially for those serving far from home. That’s why we work hard to bring comfort, connection and a sense of familiarity in powerful and memorable ways. During these moments, supporting the well-being of service members and their families matters more than ever. Thanks to our global reach, we’re able to deliver programs in more than 134 countries and continue expanding wherever our support is needed most.

Across the EMEA region, the USO proudly brought our patriotic spirit to life in both big and small ways. From T-shirt giveaways and fun competitions to great food and plenty of laughs, we made sure it was a day to remember, especially for those missing family and friends back home. Many locations hosted base-wide celebrations, and the USO was right in the middle of the action, bringing snacks, games and joyful moments to help elevate everyone’s experience.

[This Fourth of July] was not with family, but it still means something,“ said U.S. Army soldier, Pfc Marquis Lambert. "It’s something to appreciate and what we are protecting.

Marquis, currently forward deployed to Romania, joined in on the fun at NSTA’s Freedom Fest. From a hula hoop competition and water balloon toss to tic-tac-toe, carnival-style cornhole and an epic tug-of-war, the day was packed with non-stop games and laughter. The installation also hosted a Fourth of July 5K, where the USO showed up in full force—offering bananas, protein bars, sports drinks and support from incredible canine volunteers.

“Fourth of July means a lot - celebrating with family, the get-togethers, the food and the fireworks,” said Marquis. “It also is a big reminder of the freedom that we have. Being overseas it hits different because you’re away from family but you’re here on the same mission with your battle buddies eating together and working together. It’s not with family but it’s still means something and something to appreciate as well as what we are protecting.”

Despite being far from home, Marquis found joy in the holiday through volunteering. He made sure that spirits were high for others by helping the USO prepare in advance to host engaging events and programs.

“Seeing others wanting to help really stands out and is meaningful,” he said. “Thanks to the USO staff for always pushing to make things better and thanks to all of the other service members for their help. All the conversations, laughs, eating together makes the days memorable!”

Sgt Joey Delgado, forward deployed to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, said his favorite moments are the ones found with his peers in a tent, bonding over movies, food, and love of home and country.

I’ve spent 3 of the last 6 years on soil that isn’t American,” he said. “Celebrating far from home looks different but feels the same over the years. I miss the fireworks for sure. The fireworks have always been a highlight, along with the laughter and smiles from family and friends.

Spc Ryan Figueroa, a U.S. Army soldier stationed in Baumholder, Germany, noted that in other countries the 4th is just another day in July, which “makes her appreciate [the holiday] even more,” especially with PCS season looming.

When asked what Independence Day means to them, several service members offered thoughtful reflections. “The 4th of July means to me that if something is worth fighting for, it’s not going to be easy. It takes some time. Try to do your own thing and stand up for yourself,” said Sgt Kelvin Pitman, who is also stationed in Baumholder.

While each service member expressed it in their own way, the sentiment was the same—-they wished they could share the holiday with loved ones back home. For them, Independence Day is not only a time of celebration, but a day that takes on deeper meaning when experienced overseas in the military. There’s a renewed appreciation for the day, the camaraderie they’ve found in their peers, and the freedom they serve to protect.

At the USO, we don’t take for granted the honor of supporting service members and their families, especially during moments that carry so much emotional weight. Being able to offer even small reminders of home is something we take great pride in.

Did you know Independence Day, though widely celebrated since the 18th century, only became a federal holiday in 1941—the same year the USO was founded? For over 80 years, the USO has stood beside the military community through holidays, hardships and everything in between.