NEW EPISODE · SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 · EP 614
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Vol. V · No. 614Wednesday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 251

Veterans Day Special

Veterans Day has been a federal holiday, recognized each November 11, since 1938 , but it means little for most Americans beyond a day off from work. Attendance at Veterans Day events is regrettably low—and declining rapidly.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Why Preston calls Iran the story we’re about to lose focus on. and what happens if we do

02

The Strait of Hormuz. what Iran can still shut down even without a surface Navy

03

New reporting that up to 70% of Iran’s missile capacity is still standing. and why the drone threat matters more

04

“We want regime change. We just don’t want to use that word”. Hegseth’s own testimony on Iran’s nuclear intent


Veterans Day has been a federal holiday, recognized each November 11, since 1938, but it means little for most Americans beyond a day off from work.

 Attendance at Veterans Day events is regrettably low—and declining rapidly. And so is the veterans’ population in America.

The unfortunate reality that veterans understand is that the overall power and importance of Veterans Day is fading fast.

Simultaneously, America continues to struggle to draw citizens to the polls to vote. Compared to most progressive democracies in the world, our turnout is shamefully low. 

Your host, Army veteran and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) has a plan to change that—and help fix our broken election system at the same time. It makes a lot of sense, so as you get ready to head into your Veterans Day weekend (yes, it’s Saturday) here’s a little bonus episode with some patriotic and independent food for thought. 

Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. 

– Read Paul’s op-ed piece on cnn.com.