“Freedom is not a state; it is an act. It is not some enchanted garden perched high on a distant plateau where we can finally sit down and rest. Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society.” -John Lewis

I hope you’re enjoying your Fourth of July with good company, good food, and good times.

Today, I’m reflecting on a few of the truly American values that make our country a shining beacon for the rest of the world:

Opportunity. Equality. Empathy. Justice. Community. Freedom.

That’s not to say we’ve mastered any of these characteristics, but these ideas are the bedrock upon which our democracy is built.

And even in trying times, when we’re not at our best, we’re always striving to be better, do more, and to go farther, together.

To me, I think that might be the most truly American ideal: Recognizing that while we can and should have pride for our country, we should always be working to make things better for everyone.

More opportunity. More equality. More empathy, justice, community, and freedom.

Together, we can continue working to make America even better.

Thanks, and happy Fourth of July!

—Angela Alsobrooks