Today is July 4th, 2026. A very monumental day in American history. As a nation, we have officially crossed our 250th anniversary of existence. I would argue that 250 years ago, the men in that room writing the Declaration of Independence could never have imagined the country would still be standing in the way it is today. I am very grateful for this country, and today I am especially thankful.
Lately, it seems like so much of the news highlights how divided we are or focuses on the negativity in our society. But I would argue there is far more that unites us than divides us. At our core, we are all Americans, and that is something worth remembering, especially today.
American values have always been rooted in the pursuit of freedom and the opportunity to choose the life you want to build. They are about the ability to chase your dreams, create something for yourself, and step into opportunities that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world.
Over the course of my 29 years, I have had the privilege of traveling throughout this country. I have been to the East, South, North, and West. Everywhere I have gone, I have found monuments, landmarks, and places that each tell a unique part of America’s story. They represent freedom, opportunity, sacrifice, resilience, and a wide range of beliefs and backgrounds. Whether it is the Statue of Liberty welcoming millions in New York Harbor, the Lincoln Memorial reminding us of perseverance through division, Mount Rushmore honoring leadership, or the Golden Gate Bridge representing innovation and possibility, each landmark reflects a piece of the American story. Together, they remind us of the values that have shaped this country and the responsibility to protect what makes it strong.
One of the greatest privileges of traveling this country is that the more you see these places and meet the people who call them home, the more you begin to recognize a common thread woven throughout America. No matter where you go, there is a spirit that exists deep within the people of this country. It has been here for generations, and I hope it remains for generations to come. Some places you feel it more strongly than others, but it is present in every community I have visited.
Something I have had the honor of learning recently, especially through countless videos of foreigners experiencing America during the World Cup, is that we are more than our politics. At the core of being an American is a quiet drive toward building a life, pursuing your goals, and treating others with dignity along the way. That American spirit has shown up in moments like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, wildfires out West, and so many others. In those moments, it feels like something deeper comes forward, and it reveals what makes this country different from so many others.
I do realize there are people who have a hard time feeling proud to be an American right now, and I understand that. It is okay to feel that way. At the same time, I hope we do not lose sight of the good that exists here. There are a lot of good people, a lot of opportunity, and a lot of freedom across different backgrounds and experiences. Gratitude does not erase problems, but it can open the door to seeing the good that still exists alongside them. Find the good. It exists everywhere.
My hope is that the next 250 years are even better than the last. I pray for the safety of this country, for the people who live here, and for the American spirit to continue to shine in a way that inspires others around the world. Today, I am choosing gratitude. Gratitude for those who came before us, gratitude for the men and women who have given their lives for this country, gratitude for the freedoms we have today, and hope for the generations who will one day celebrate America’s 300th birthday and beyond.
Happy Independence Day, America! I love you!
Thoughts by Ryan 
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