Thanks, America!
Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays…and it’s not just because of the warm weather and lazy BBQ’s. Everyone is included in this celebration of our independence. Whether you’re Jewish, Catholic or Muslim; have been in our country for a week, a year or a lifetime; whether you’re a black student studying here or an Asian tourist just visiting…everyone is invited to take part in the celebration, freedom and fireworks of July Fourth.

This year in particular, it seems like America has a lot on its plate beyond the burgers, hot dogs and potato salad. Between the struggling economy, continuing war on terror and the recent oil spill disaster, the news hasn’t been great lately. Nonetheless, we’re still a country everyone wants to be a part of. The world still clamors to watch our movies, listen to our music, speak our language and play our games. Our country represents a lot of what is good in the world, despite the problems we may have.

America is young by world standards. However, with our enduring democracy and lasting freedom, we still seem to be the best hope the world has for stability, liberty and inspiration. As quick as people from other countries are to criticize our attitudes, lifestyle and policies, they are just as quick to flock here to visit and live in record numbers.

If you know anything about me, you know I’ve been very fortunate to get to where I am today. You know that I talk a lot about the importance of education, about never giving up, about working until it hurts. What you may not know is that I never take for granted that I could never have accomplished any of these things if I didn’t live in America. Only in America could a middle class kid from New Jersey have a dream of building one of the largest advertising agencies in the country, and with just $10,000 in his pocket, invest it all into his dream and actually build the 14th largest agency in the country and become a partner in the Florida Panthers hockey franchise. It’s the embodiment of the American dream. Say what you will, but America is still the only place like it in the world.

Politician Wendell L. Wilkie put it best when he said, “I believe in America because we have great dreams – and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true.” We should all remember that as we enjoy our July Fourth festivities this weekend. Never take it for granted.