America at 250: Rediscovering Home

As we celebrate the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary of our great nation, I find myself reflecting not only on America's past, but on how often we forget the extraordinary blessings that surround us every day.

This summer, the world came to America.

Millions of visitors arrived on our shores for the FIFA World Cup. They came expecting football (soccer), excitement, and unforgettable competition. But many discovered something else—something they did not fully anticipate.

They discovered America.

They discovered our openness, our kindness, our diversity, our vast landscapes, our innovation, our entrepreneurial spirit, and above all, our freedom.

Their enthusiasm has been contagious.

In listening to the observations of so many international visitors, I have been reminded of something important: sometimes it takes the eyes of a guest to remind us of the beauty of our own home.

Those who have come to visit us have, in many ways, given us a gift. They have reminded us not to take for granted what generations before us sacrificed to build and preserve.

The freedoms we enjoy are not ordinary.

The ability to worship freely.

To speak openly.

To dream boldly.

To display our beliefs and symbols without fear.

To start over.

To build a business.

To disagree without fear.

To pursue opportunity and create a better life.

Recently, I was struck by an irony that beautifully illustrates the uniqueness of American liberty. A controversy in Great Britain regarding the flying of the Union Jack prompted many Britons to realize something profound: here in the United States, they were entirely free to raise and celebrate their own flag under the protections of America's First Amendment.

Think about that for a moment.

Citizens of another nation found themselves embracing a freedom that we, as Americans, can sometimes overlook—the simple but profound liberty to express one's identity, convictions, and patriotism openly.

Freedom is like the air we breathe. We rarely notice it until we see someone who has lived with less of it.

Perhaps that is one of the unexpected gifts our international visitors have brought us this summer. They have reminded us that the liberties woven into the fabric of America are neither ordinary nor guaranteed. They are precious, extraordinary, and worthy of both our gratitude and our stewardship.

These freedoms are the roots from which so much of America's fruit has grown.

Innovation.

Prosperity.

Creativity.

Charitable giving.

Volunteerism.

Opportunity.

And the enduring belief that tomorrow can be better than today.

No nation is perfect. America has her challenges, just as every nation does. Yet after 250 years, she remains one of history's greatest experiments in liberty and self-government.

This Independence Day, let us celebrate with gratitude.

Let us remember those who paid the price for these freedoms.

Let us teach our children not merely to inherit liberty, but to value it.

And let us never become so familiar with our blessings that we cease to see them.

To our friends from around the world who have visited our country this summer: thank you.

You came for football, but in many ways, you gave us something far greater.

You reminded us just how blessed we are to call this place home.

From our CUE Family to yours, happy Independence Day, and may God bless you and yours, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Happy 250th Birthday, America!

Skip Kerekes
Chief Public Affairs Officer | CUE Broadcast