People are imperfect. This nation is imperfect. Weather forecasting is imperfect.
There are few things on Earth that are perfect.
But in an attempt to create a great nation, our forefathers pledged their lives, their sacred honor, and their fortunes to try to create the best republic for the people who live in this land. Very few governments in human history have lasted even 50 years. Fewer still have made it to 100. Almost none have reached 250.
On Saturday, we in the United States of America have the honor and privilege of celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. This is a nation that provides the most freedom, most choices and opportunity — over time — of any nation on this planet. Sure, there are imperfections. Certainly, there are things that can be done better. There are things that need to be improved, especially in the government and a number of other institutions.
Yet, we as people, as families, should take the opportunity to feel and express gratitude for living in this great country, and for the opportunities, the freedoms and the peace of mind that most of us, the overwhelming majority of the people living in this country, are able to experience and enjoy.
I am just back from two weeks in Europe, and every time I return to the United States, I feel more grateful for what I have. Most of the people here are friendly, people of goodwill, who overwhelmingly speak the truth as they understand it. I am also grateful for things that work in the United States — from air conditioners to showers to customer service — and so much more.
And I believe some of these advantages stem from the foundation guaranteed by the Constitution, the rule of law, and the consistency of that and what it means.
So, for me, I will be feeling grateful. My family and I will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of this nation — for what it stands for, what it represents, and what it has meant to me. I encourage all of you to do the same. That does not mean we should not work to correct things that are wrong or to work to improve things we believe can be improved — it does mean that, in an imperfect world, we should celebrate the things that are worth celebrating.
This 250th anniversary — of what this nation is and represents, what it has accomplished for the world and all that means to us is worth celebrating yet— does not diminish our striving for “a more perfect union.”
Joel Myers is the founder and executive chair of AccuWeather.
