That Special Moment When You Represent Your Country on its 250th Birthday

07.03.2026Eagles

It's a good weekend to be a fan. Photo David Barpal.

Author: Alex Goff

Saturday is a pretty special day.

The day marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the 250th birthday of the United States. Representing your country at any level, be it as a diplomat, someone in the military, a tourist, and athlete, or a fan is an honor not to be taken lightly.

And on Saturday, two national teams will be in training, with the U18 men on their way to South America and the U20 men in Georgia after playing England (of course) yesterday.

And two national teams will be playing, and will be able to stand in front of their fans and sing the National Anthem.
It's a special moment, with the women being on foreign soil, and singing the anthem on foreign soil carries its own honor, while the men will be in Denver and front of what we expect to be a large and enthusiastic crowd.

It matters, win or lose it matters.

And captaining that team?

"It's a massive honor," said Men's Eagles captain Jason Damm. "It's special every time. I haven't done a summer series since my first cap, so it's nice to have the opportunity to be here on the 4th, and this is one I'll never forget. Definitely, the jersey ... I'm not planning on giving away. We're keeping that one."

Added Head Coach Scott Lawrence.

"This is something I have been celebrating all year," said Lawrence. "The feeling ... it's unreal."

For new USA captain Georgia Perris-Redding, it's interesting, because she's got that English accent and that English upbringing, but she doesn't back away from the important of it all.

"I was born in Detroit, Michigan, and I'm very proud of my roots" Perris-Redding said. "And I think that the one thing about this group that is so amazing, is they are so passionate about our country and what we represent, and we've been talking about it all week. We're trying to find a way to get some fireworks. So to celebrate this on such an occasion at Ellis Park is, I mean, arguably once in a lifetime. We're excited."

Once in a lifetime.

USA Women vs South Africa Live on Paramount+ from Ellis Park, Johannesburg 730AM ET.

USA Men vs Portugal Live on Paramount+ from Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Denver 9PM ET. (Tickets here>>)