Gratitude stands as one of humanity's most undervalued qualities, while ingratitude often reveals a profound deficiency. An individual unable to acknowledge the blessings they have received, or to grasp the weight of unearned fortune, harbors a spiritual void that no accomplishment can truly fill. This principle holds true for both individuals and entire nations.
It is disheartening to observe a segment of the population expressing a lack of patriotism, particularly when recent data indicates a historically low level of national pride among young Americans. This sentiment is not a critique of dissent, which is fundamental to a free society, but rather a sorrow born from the perceived failures of previous generations. There has been a collective oversight in articulating the immense sacrifices made to secure the freedoms enjoyed today. Educational environments that prioritize grievances over appreciation, and voices that amplify protests rather than fostering unity and cooperation, contribute to this disconnect.
Furthermore, it is troubling to witness a growing embrace of socialist ideologies, seemingly rejecting the free enterprise system that has historically lifted more people out of poverty than any other economic model.
While acknowledging that no nation is without its flaws, a crucial aspect of our national discourse seems to have been overlooked: national anniversaries are occasions for celebration, not solely for cataloging imperfections. We gather not to dwell on mistakes, but to affirm the nation's significance, express our affection, and recognize its continued existence.
For these reasons, the enduring presence of America is a profound source of joy and appreciation.
The true narrative of America is one defined by extraordinary courage and unwavering determination.
The Promise of the Declaration
The Declaration of Independence was far more than a mere declaration of separation or a protest directed at a distant monarch. It served as a foundational promise, intended for every subsequent generation to uphold and realize. Thomas Jefferson penned what is arguably the most impactful secular document in human history, establishing the core mission statement for a nascent nation.
Its principles remain relevant and compelling because they consistently prove to be just and right.
The authentic American story is also one of unparalleled opportunity.
America has offered more second chances to a greater diversity of people—across faiths, ethnicities, and creeds—than any other country throughout history. This represents the most ambitious experiment in human self-governance ever undertaken, and it continues to evolve. It remains imperfect, constantly striving, yet undeniably magnificent.
Consider the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games: among the hundreds of nations marching in the Parade of Nations, only one sends a delegation that mirrors the entire global population. That nation is America.
America has endowed the world with a populace that is both intensely competitive and remarkably generous. No other nation donates as much to charitable causes as the United States. When disaster strikes anywhere across the globe, the immediate question is never whether Americans will offer assistance, but rather how quickly that aid will arrive.
This nation has cultivated a population characterized by goodness, decency, and nobility—a country that has achieved this deserves to commemorate its founding.
A Witness to Freedom's Value
This understanding is deeply personal, rooted in the experience of my mother, Miriam Miyares. In 1965, she arrived in America, a refugee from communist Cuba. She was homeless and penniless, possessing only the clothes on her back and uncertain of her next meal. She sought refuge in this country, much like countless others before her, not because the journey was easy, but because the promise of America was worth every risk.
Approximately fifty years after Miriam Miyares escaped a government that ruled without the consent of its people, she entered a voting booth in Virginia. There, she cast her ballot for her son—her American son—to represent her in the Virginia General Assembly, one of the oldest democratic legislative bodies in the Western Hemisphere.
This is the essence of the American Miracle.
Today, as the same communist regime in Cuba maintains its grip on power, plunging its citizens deeper into a humanitarian crisis, the Miyares family not only observes the American Miracle but actively lives it.
On this national anniversary, it is important to recognize that my family fully comprehends the sacrifices made and the profound significance of this nation. We know what a world without America's ideals looks like, because the Miyares family experienced it firsthand.
Educating Future Generations
On this Independence Day, it serves us all well to recall the wisdom of another distinguished Virginian, Thomas Jefferson, who stated:
If a nation expects to be ignorant & free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was & never will be.
Happy Birthday, America.
We hold deep affection for you, we are profoundly grateful, and we are immensely proud. Let us all commit to educating the next generation about the American Miracle, ensuring its legacy endures for another 250 years and beyond.