Red, white and blue blur together as the flag rapidly sways before me in the wind. This array of colors, the red and white stripes, the blue in the corner, and the white stars, represents something much bigger than what we are. It represents our freedom, our pride, our strength as a nation, our loyalty to one another, our rights and our beliefs.

“Independence Day of the United States, also referred to as the Fourth of July or July Fourth in the U.S., is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress declaring that the 13 American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and no longer part of the British Empire.”

Independence Day is celebrated with BBQs, fireworks, parades, picnics, concerts and more. With all of those activities going on, you sometimes forget what it is you are essentially celebrating. We are celebrating our freedom, but our freedom would be nothing without those who have risked their lives to fight for it. We owe our celebrations on Independence Day to our military and those who served to give us our freedom and continue to fight for it.

The United States of America is a special place to call home. We have rights that other countries are still fighting for, like marriage equality, the right to vote, the right to bear arms, freedom of speech and so many more. Often we take for granted all of these rights that we are blessed to have. We forget that everyday, someone from somewhere else in the world is dreaming of calling America their new home, dreaming of the opportunities we offer that their current home does not. That is why America continues to be called the land of the free.

Being an American is not defined based on your race, religion or sex. Being an American is believing in our country and respecting our Constitution. It is showing others hospitality and kindness, taking advantage of all of the opportunities this country has to offer, believing in our country and the other people who call it home and respecting our military.

It does not, and should not, matter where you came from. Instead, what should matter is why you are here. The answer to that question may be the same for just about everyone: to have a better life filled with more freedom and opportunities. Regardless, none of us would be calling America our home had it not been for our ancestors who chose to come here way back when. It is because of our ancestors' decisions to journey here that we have been blessed with all of these opportunities and freedom that every now and then we overlook.

This Fourth of July, instead of just using the day as an excuse to have parties and be with friends, remember why it is we are so fortunate to call America our home; remember all of those that have fought to maintain our freedom, and those who continue to do so. Have pride in being an American, because there are people around the world who would be grateful for the opportunities and freedom we have every day in this country.