13 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Happy birthday, America! You don’t look a day over a bicentennial. 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States — also known as a semiquincentennial or twoand-a-half centuries old — celebrating our country’s sovereignty via the Declaration of Independence. Charleston was fortunate enough to have four signers represent the Lowcountry: Edward Rutledge, Arthur Middleton, Thomas Heyward Jr. and Thomas Lynch Jr. There’s no debate that the men who pledged their signatures were true patriots. However, in today’s age, the term ‘patriot’ can be a bit ambiguous or carry connotations that are rather politically charged. We the people will always share differences of opinion. After all, freedom of speech is one of the greatest liberties afforded by our fair nation. In the spirit of unification, I’ve sought mutual aid from an unbiased source (ChatGPT) to help better define what it means to be a patriot. Here’s what our AI ally had to say on the subject: • Love of Country: Deep, unwavering respect and affection for the United States, its ideals and its people. • Civic Engagement: Voting, staying informed and participating in democratic processes. • Service: Contributing and honoring those who serve your community through volunteerism, public service or military duty. • Respect for the Constitution: Upholding the principles of freedom, equality and justice as laid out in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. • Unity over Division: Placing country above partisanship and striving for a more perfect union. • Defense of Liberty: Protecting the rights of all citizens, including those with differing opinions. • Support for Law and Justice: Believing in the rule of law and working toward a fair and just society. Upholding the principles of freedom, equality and justice. Cheers to a safe and happy Fourth of July with loved ones. God bless the US of A! Positive vibes only, Zach Giroux Managing Editor from the editor United We Stand SUMMER EDITION 2025 THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES AT WWW.MOUNTPLEASANTPODCAST.COM KITCHEN & BATH | BOATING & FISHING | EAST COOPER DINING GUIDE (p84) Wave Watchers Photo by Mark Staff Photographer. Island Time Loveable Landmarks Mountain Strong Western NC Rebounds All Tides Lead to the Beach Local Shrimp Matter Supporting Our Shrimpers SUMMER EDITION 2025 THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES AT WWW.MOUNTPLEASANTPODCAST.COM KITCHEN & BATH | BOATING & FISHING | EAST COOPER DINING GUIDE (p84) Wave Watchers Photo by Mark Staff Photographer. Island Time Loveable Landmarks Mountain Strong Western NC Rebounds All Tides Lead to the Beach Local Shrimp Matter Supporting Our Shrimpers Your Community, Your Magazine SCAN • CLICK SUBSCRIBE YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR MAGAZINE FAMILY EDITION 2025 DENTAL DIRECTORY | VETERINARY DIRECTORY | WEDDING DIRECTORY Legendary Legacies Multi-Generational Family Businesses Simmons Seafood otographer. Influential Moms Homemade Content Creators Superdads First Responder Fathers SCAN • CLICK • SUBSCRIBE
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