This Fourth of July, while we celebrate with flags, fireworks, and family, it’s also a time to reflect on the true meaning of freedom—and the people who made it possible. For East Dallas neighbor and bestselling author Robert Edsel, remembrance isn’t just reserved for the holiday. It’s the foundation of his life’s work.

Edsel, founder of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation, has spent the past two decades preserving stories of sacrifice and service—particularly those tied to World War II. His latest book, Remember Us, is a powerful tribute to the final months of the war in Europe and the Americans who helped liberate the Netherlands from Nazi occupation.

Told through the eyes of twelve real people, Remember Us brings to life voices we rarely hear: a Dutch teenager falling in love with an American soldier, a Black Army sergeant buried in injustice while digging graves in a segregated unit, and a Medal of Honor recipient leading paratroopers into battle. It’s a deeply human story about the price of freedom and the gratitude that outlives war.

Though the book unfolds across the Atlantic, East Dallas holds a meaningful connection. One of the book’s featured Americans is Otto Nance, whose family once lived right here on Velasco. Like so many others from our neighborhood, Nance left the quiet comfort of home to serve in a war that would reshape the world. His story—and the stories of so many others—are kept alive thanks to Edsel’s unwavering dedication to honoring those who served.

Through his foundation, public speaking, and bestselling books—including The Monuments Men, Saving Italy, and now Remember Us—Edsel reminds us that remembering is an act of gratitude. And this July, his message feels especially timely: the freedoms we enjoy today were hard-won, and it's up to all of us to ensure those sacrifices are never forgotten.

Learn more about Remember Us and Robert Edsel’s work at robertedsel.com.