I was reflecting back on 4th of July celebrations over the years and I remembered an article I had written back in 1999. Although the conflicts are different, and our nation is challenged more than ever within itself, I think that the message still remains. We are stronger because we accept each others differences.

“The Spirit of America”  It’s a phrase I have heard many times over the years, but on the 4^th of July I suddenly had a clear vision of what that spirit really is. I was reading the daily article about the Kosovo situation in the morning paper.  It was a combination of reporting on the Serb atrocities toward the Kosovars prior to occupation by NATO peacekeepers and of Kosovar atrocities toward the remaining Serbs now.  I marveled, as I have throughout the US involvement there,  how people could live next to each other so long with so much hatred. 

Then I turned to the inside of the paper and another article caught my eye.  112 Americans, all born on the 4^th of  July, were assembled in Philadelphia for a group photograph.  They were of all ages, races, ethnic backgrounds and of both genders.  The photograph will be displayed at Independence Hall and other locations around the country.

And that’s when I felt I really understood “The Spirit of America.”  We don’t always agree, we don’t always like each other, we do have bigots and hatemongers among us.  But overall we tolerate, accept and often celebrate our differences, which gives us strength unparalleled throughout the world.  Our economic power, our military power, our incredible opportunities and standard of living are a result of our combined power as a people.  The security provided us by the freedoms guaranteed in the United States Constitution gives us the greatest freedom of all – the confidence that our homes and families are secure, so we can focus on creating.

So on the 4^th of July I watched the fireworks with a lump in my throat and thankfulness in my heart for being born an American. 

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