On this 4th of July, and every day, let us remember that true patriotic duty is expressed not by proclaiming our great country to be flawless, but to recognize and work together to strengthen her weaknesses.  May we open our minds, our eyes, ears, and hearts so that we may know the truth when we encounter it, even when it pains us to do so.  Only then can we protect and nurture the principles upon which our republic was founded. 

Long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light!

–America

words: Samuel F. Smith, 1832; Music: Thesaurus Musicus, 1744