As we move beyond Memorial Day, we also take a moment to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice helped preserve the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today, and their legacy remains an important part of the American story we reflect on during this season.
At first glance, these holidays commemorate different moments in our nation’s history. Independence Day celebrates the founding of the United States and the ideals of liberty and self-government expressed in 1776. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
Together, these holidays tell a broader American story: the ongoing effort to align our reality with our ideals.
The United States has never been perfect. Yet one of its greatest strengths has been a willingness to examine itself, confront shortcomings, and continue striving toward a more inclusive understanding of freedom, opportunity, and equality under the law.
As professionals who work in international tax, we are reminded every day that America’s legal and economic systems remain unique. We work with U.S. citizens living abroad, foreign individuals investing in the U.S., multinational businesses, and families whose lives span multiple countries. Through that work, we gain a deep appreciation for the opportunities, protections, and stability that the U.S. offers.
We also see firsthand that freedom and opportunity increasingly operate on a global stage. People move, invest, build businesses, and pursue dreams across borders. Our role is to help them navigate the complexities that come with that freedom—whether that means understanding international reporting requirements, structuring cross-border investments, or helping families remain compliant while pursuing opportunities around the world.
In many ways, international tax is about removing uncertainty so people can focus on what matters most: growing businesses, supporting families, creating jobs, and building meaningful lives.
As we pause this summer to observe Juneteenth and Independence Day, we do so with gratitude—for those who helped establish the freedoms we enjoy, for those who worked to extend those freedoms more broadly, and for the ongoing responsibility we all share in strengthening the institutions that make opportunity possible.
We wish our clients, colleagues, and friends a safe and meaningful holiday season, and we look forward to continuing to serve you when we return.
Happy Juneteenth and Happy Independence Day.
About Schwartz International
Schwartz International is a boutique advisory firm based in Atlanta that focuses on international tax, global structuring and reporting/disclosure. The firm partners with CPA firms, law firms, and businesses of all sizes to solve cross-border tax challenges with creativity, precision, and a deep commitment to client success. Learn more about our sister law firm here.