Celebrations are the cultural bond of our humanity, as we recall, festively, battlefields and victories that give our history, our story, and personal journey, meaning. Worth a few luminous sparks, pops, ker- pows, ooh's and ahhh's, at the barbecue, long as you shut up about the politics.

While there many reasons to celebrate our country’s independence, I do so at this time with less valor and pride. We are divided within this nation because we have voices that reflect what our hearts yearn to live out in peace, amongst all others.