As we’ve approached the 250th anniversary of American independence, I’ve been thinking a lot about what this milestone means for our nation, so on the Fourth of July I sat down to put those thoughts on the record.

We find ourselves in a dark and divided hour, as divided perhaps as we have been at some of the lowest moments of our history. Yet I find hope in that history. When I look back at the reformers who broke old prejudices and the leaders humble enough to put country before self, I see the way forward. We have stood in darker places and survived deeper divides.

Every generation of Americans has been handed this republic in trust, charged with keeping it and passing it on better than they found it. Now the trust is ours, to heal the wounds in our society not merely for ourselves but for generations of Americans yet unborn.

Watch my full Fourth of July reflection below.

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