Still a Beacon

I watched the Macy Fireworks special last night and as the sparkling lights rained down upon our Statue of Liberty, I thought about the ideals that the founding fathers set down for this Nation, the ideals that we are continuing to strive for. I thought about that we are a nation of diverse immigrants who sought relief from religious, economic, social and political tyranny in their own lands. I thought about the triumphs that we have a achieved as a nation, the good that we have done around the world. I thought about the internal convulsion such as war, racial strife, economic hardships that we as a relatively young nation have endured while on our journey to greatness. I reasoned that despite our differences, despite the periodic rancor and intolerance periodically displayed toward another that, we as a nation, strive to grow and continue to reach for those ideals that we hold so dear. I saw hope and promise in the lights flickering down on one of our most cherished symbols. I saw what we have achieved and what me might yet become. I saw the USA as a beacon of lights not only reaching for the stars but reaching for our souls, for our humanity.