Hello Friends,
I hope you all had a superb 4th of July filled with barbecues, fireworks, or a relaxing day off. Yesterday, we celebrated the birthday of the United States, marking the day in 1776 when this country declared itself independent from Britain. But the 4th of July isn’t just about history. It’s also a time to reflect on the principles that drew us to America: Freedom, fairness, and democracy.
These big ideas are worth contemplating not just on the 4th but every day. As we take pride in how America strives to uphold these values, we must also consider how to improve. President Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
These words resonate with me. President Reagan, who shared this insight, signed an immigration amnesty into law in 1986. This legislation began my journey to American citizenship, a gift I received in 1999.
Our celebration of the 4th of July also reminds us that despite our different countries and cultures of origin, we are all part of one big American family. We chose to make America our home because we share these core values. Our diverse backgrounds enrich this nation, making it more robust and dynamic.
Yesterday was also a day to express our gratitude. Thank you to the brave individuals who fought for America’s independence, those who have since worked to keep it free, and everyone who strives daily to ensure we honor our essential values.
Though the 4th of July is a day of celebration, it is also a day to remember why we chose America and to reflect on how we can help this country remain true to its principles. As we move forward, it’s clear we have a lot of work ahead of us. Let’s commit ourselves to ensure that the country we leave for the next generation is better than the one our parents left for us because the promise of America lies not just in our history but in our capacity to improve, grow, and uphold the values we hold dear.
Reflecting on the 4th and looking forward to our future,
Andres “Liberty and Justice for All” Mejer
