Big Birthday Party

A few years ago, my husband and I traveled through Jordan. Our tour bus visited remarkable historical sites, but along the way we couldn't avoid seeing the poverty. It was more than poverty, though. It felt like I was seeing oppression in real life.

Our tour guide pointed to huge barbed-wire compounds with multi-story, windowless white buildings and matter-of-factly said, "This is where those who don't agree with the king stay." Then he added quietly, "It's a dreadful place."

A small number of people lived comfortably, while miles of desert were dotted with what looked like homeless encampments.

We traveled with armed guards the entire time, yet I never really felt secure.

After three days, our group crossed the border back into Israel. As we passed through, the bus erupted in cheers. We were relieved to be leaving behind uncertainty and returning to a place where we felt safe—where we were free.

This year, America celebrates her 250th birthday.

Even with our imperfections, many still see our nation as a beacon of hope. We've never been a perfect country, but we have been a nation striving to become better.

Birthdays aren't just a time to celebrate the past. It’s an opportunity to look ahead.

So this Fourth of July, let's celebrate what is good. Let’s acknowledge what still needs improving, and recommit ourselves to preserving the freedoms we've inherited.

I pledge to do my part so the next generation can inherit an even stronger nation.

Happy Birthday, America.