MODESTO, Calif. — Following up on his success in correcting the narrative of federal holidays such as Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to include recognition of America's veterans, local veteran Thomas Shinter is planning to celebrate the birth of the country by making it all about himself.

"This July 4th, we honor the men and women who fought for this great nation that we all love," Shinter told reporters. "And especially those who did not make it back. Rest in peace to my brothers Spc. Willie Garcia and Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Beamer."

"And let's not forget the 22 veterans a day who kill themselves," he added. "It's really sad that people are celebrating with fireworks and barbecues and they don't even think about this sort of stuff."