Joshua Scheer
As we celebrate the Fourth of July with a conversation between our publisher and namesake, Robert Scheer, and the remarkable Ron Kovic, it is worth revisiting Born on the Fourth of July. I’ve included both the original trailer and several memorable scenes from this landmark film about war, patriotism, and redemption. Tom Cruise received an Academy Award nomination for his unforgettable portrayal of Kovic, and although the film did not win Best Picture, it earned Academy Awards for Best Director for Oliver Stone and Best Film Editing. It has since been recognized by New York magazine as one of the greatest films ever to lose the Oscar for Best Picture.
Kovic’s influence extends far beyond literature and film. In 1978, after reading Kovic’s memoir, Bruce Springsteen invited him to a concert at Winterland Arena in San Francisco. During the performance, Springsteen dedicated “Darkness on the Edge of Town” to the Vietnam veteran. Sitting in his wheelchair, Kovic later recalled that it was the first time he had cried in a very long time. Their friendship has endured for decades, grounded in the belief that true patriotism requires confronting the realities of war rather than looking away. Kovic has often said that while being born on the Fourth of July always held deep meaning for him, knowing Springsteen made that day—and what it represents—even more special. I’ve also included Kovic’s moving tribute to Springsteen at the Kennedy Center Honors.
Needless to say, we need more Ron Kovics in the world. We need more people willing to dedicate themselves to their communities, to peace, and to justice. On this Fourth of July, I also think of the many veteran-activists across this country—people like Mike Prysner and Matthew Hoh, along with countless others—who transformed their experiences of war into lives of public service and moral courage. They remind us that patriotism is not measured by waving a flag, but by caring for our neighbors, protecting the vulnerable, building bridges, serving our communities, and standing up to the excesses of empire.
So, as we celebrate Ron Kovic’s birthday alongside America’s Independence Day, I hope these scenes offer a deeper understanding of the man whose life inspired one of the most important anti-war films ever made. Two hundred and fifty years after the founding of this nation, may we continue striving toward the more just, compassionate, and democratic America that Kovic has spent a lifetime fighting for.
Here are some cilps from the movie “Bon on the Fourth of July”
One of the most powerful moments in Born on the Fourth of July comes as Ron Kovic confronts the gap between the ideals he fought for and the reality he returned home to. In this unforgettable scene, Kovic declares that loving America does not mean remaining silent—it means demanding that the nation live up to its highest principles. More than three decades after the film’s release, its message about patriotism, truth, and accountability remains as urgent as ever.
The rest a clips from the film
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