The historical context of Fourth of July embodies the development of American patriotism and independence, while grounding the core values and ideals of the U.S. -- the notion of equality and liberty and the people's entitlement to happiness, free of restraint. These are the basic principles that instill a great sense of American pride in Americans--both natives and immigrants--and the concept of freedom that our Founding Fathers envisioned in the Declaration of Independence continues to bring us hope for a better tomorrow. Freedom, in context, is associated with one's individuality and civil liberties but as of late, its meaning is gloated, misconstrued even, for having the privilege and power to inflict pain and suffering onto vulnerable people and maliciously attack those with dissenting ideas.

While we are an influential country, we are also a nation of many flaws, and lately our imperfections have paved a narrow road to discouragement, disappointment, anger, and distrust. Then Fourth of July frequents us, encouraging us to drown out the nerve-racking sound of our individual and collective grievances under a sky full of fireworks, symbolizing the magnificent chimes of America's Liberty Bell. Despite early colonialism, the exploitation of Africans and Native Americans and the savagery and bloodshed that this country was founded on by the first European settlers, we've, for the most part, departed from the ways of the olden centuries. Today, America continues to experience the effects of racism and inequality. Although the foundation of our justice system is ruptured, although loopholes in our political system halt the essence of democracy, although we're still seeing the consequences of various forms of discrimination, we've progressed. The persistent dreamers and believers factor change. Keep in mind, as we undergo the final phases of the 2016 presidential election cycle, that hate rhetoric will eventually subside to amiability.

Today's post-modern American patriots, marching on the right side of history, are the men and women who make me proud to be an American and foster a feeling of unity every Fourth of July. I'm thankful to have the freedom to openly express myself and continue to mold and shape the many aspects of my individuality. I'm proud to be a component of America's cultural and ethnic melting pot. As I remain hopeful for America's future, I wish all of my fellow Americans a happy Fourth of July.

Remember:

"To unequal privileges among members of the same society the spirit of our nation is, with one accord, adverse."

"It is surely time for men to think for themselves, and to throw off the authority of names so artificially magnified."

"The most sacred of the duties of a government [is] to do equal and impartial justice to all its citizens."

-Thomas Jefferson