Today, in the United States, we celebrate a country that allows its citizens input into this remarkable experiment of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. A government rejecting the reign of kings and queens born into their roles in favor of ordinary individuals working for the common good together.

We honor this country and its principles of equality, freedom, and justice for all. Our understanding of those concepts has evolved over time, and taken some steps back, but today let us be grateful for how far we’ve come and consider the steps that we each might take today and every day to make this country move closer to the ideals for which it stands. It is a privilege coupled with responsibility to be an American.