An Epic Week of Celebrating Freedom 

One week ago today, I was basking in the bosom of freedom. 

And while it’s “back to reality” this week, I feel compelled to make this issue all about what just went down at the epic celebration that is FreedomFest. First of all, the event was an amazing success. There were over 2,700 attendees, a record high, along with several hundred speakers/exhibitors. 

Now, I have been to many FreedomFests over the years, but this one had an intangible element of excitement, energy and sense of appreciation that I had not experienced before. I attribute this to the pandemic, as we had to forego FreedomFest last year due to COVID-19. You see, as humans, when we are deprived of something we love, our yearning for it becomes even greater.

This year, I think everyone just felt good to be around each other after a two-year pandemic drought. And with hardly a mask in sight, we were all able to see our fellow liberty warriors smiling, shaking hands and interacting the way humans were meant to. 

And speaking of smiling, I must tell you that I had so many poignant moments at this FreedomFest that my smiles actually morphed into tears of joy on several occasions. One of those big moments occurred at Mt. Rushmore, and specifically at the monument’s lighting ceremony. 

At the end of the ceremony, the park ranger invited military veterans to come down for the “retiring of the colors,” which is just what they call it when the American flag is taken down, folded and put away until the following sunrise. On this excursion with me was my good friend, Rich Checkan of Asset Strategies International. In addition to being my go-to precious metals dealer, Rich also is a West Point graduate and served as an officer in the U.S. Army for many years. 

Your editor (dressed in all black) flanked on his right and to the rear by West Point graduate and gold dealer Rich Checkan of Assets Strategies International, at the Mt. Rushmore flag ceremony along with fellow veterans. 

As we came down to the stage, the audience of Mt. Rushmore attendees applauded us in gratitude for our service. And as Rich and I discussed afterward, this was the first time in many, many years that we were honored with this show of gratitude. Hey, I must admit that turning to salute the flag and to be honored by other grateful Americans felt really good. And even recalling this moment makes me well up again. 

Yet perhaps the greatest moments for me this FreedomFest came in the form of subscribers to my newsletters honoring me by offering their heartfelt thanks for what I do. 

Literally dozens of you came up to me multiple times during the event to thank me for helping you make money in the markets via my stock and options advice. More importantly, many of you thanked me for helping you buy houses, take grand vacations and send your kids to college using the information garnered from my expertise. 

For a writer/stock picker whose job it is to help others find the best exchange-traded funds (ETFs), individual stocks and stock options to own, hearing of the real-world success subscribers have had is perhaps the most gratifying feeling one can have.

So, for those of you who came up to me and offered me your thanks, eminently kind words, appreciation and gratitude for what me and my Eagle Financial Publications colleagues do each week, may I also now formally, in print, tell you that whatever appreciation you have for us, we have far more for you. 

It is because of you, the subscriber to our publications, that we are allowed to do what we do. Without you, we couldn’t do what we love. And so, from the depths of my soul, and in the name of the very best within us, thank you for celebrating an epic week of freedom together. 

May our hearts soar the skies of prosperity and liberty for all our days to come!

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Dickens on Parting 

“The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.”

— Charles Dickens, “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby”

Yes, it’s tough to part from your philosophic brothers-in-arms, but alas, all weeks cannot be as epic as FreedomFest. So, my advice is don’t miss out on next year’s event, as we are already set to go. It will be held in Las Vegas, at the Mirage Hotel, July 13-16. Plan to go now, because the earlier you plan, the more excited you’ll be — and excitement is the electric current that runs through a happy life. 

Wisdom about money, investing and life can be found anywhere. If you have a good quote that you’d like me to share with your fellow readers, send it to me, along with any comments, questions and suggestions you have about my newsletters, seminars or anything else. Click here to ask Jim.