Love your neighbor, love your enemy and celebrate unity

As we approach the 4th of July, I’m reminded that it is the only holiday that celebrates all of us in union. 

We often define ourselves based on divisions over politics, race, religion and a host of other issues, which is unfortunate. 

Our country was founded on the belief that all are “created equal” and enjoy “certain unalienable rights,” including “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” That purpose has always been aspirational, and we have some scars where we have struggled to get it right. Yet, we are and remain exceptional because of our pursuit of that ideal. We continue to be a light to the world.