Bridge of Wills

Today is a special day for our country: when it declared independence and freedom begun to ring across the land. Independence wasn’t earned on July 4th, what ensued after was an arduous struggle that earned us the right to be independent. Each of us at Bridge of Wills today want to share our message to the country on this day.

Daniel Nunez: Our Editor-in-Chief

4th of July is a day forever burned into the canon of the greatest moments in the history of the world: from a ragtag group of soldiers emerged the greatest bastion of freedom and democracy ever seen across the globe. Every generation is faced with challenges that define the struggle and character of its members, be it the fight against the growing tide of communism or the threat of fascism rolling in seemingly unstoppable waves across the world:  that has been the nature of the American struggle. What I try to do every year is to attempt to capture lightning in a bottle by capturing an aspect of what America is, be it the bipartisanship that made her what she is or the definition of American. But it seems that these messages devolve into feel-good platitudes that don’t address the real spirit of America; of this, I charge myself as guilty. Messages, mine included, reference the great historical figures of the past that have been elevated to the pantheon of gods, making you and I feel miniscule at the might of their influence. Their example is inspiring, but it gets to a certain point where you feel diminished by their weight, so this year, I will try a different avenue from blank platitudes. The real answer about what makes America great is not the George Washington’s, the bright flashes of light that shine like supernovas in a generation whose remnants last for millions of years, but the real answer is you and I, 365 million strong.

America is faced with tremendous struggle, from inflation hurting our wallets to a foreign situation that seems to keep dragging us into even more uncertain times: we must acknowledge that America is in trouble. With another contentious election on the horizon and the threat of a situation that will continue to poison a political climate that seems to get worse by the hour, there’s a tendency to lose hope in this situation. Our politicians tend to reassure us about the greats within our cannon, Lincoln’s, Roosevelt’s, and Washington’s, but all you have to do is look right next to you. To your mom, and dad, to the business owner and shopkeeper who make ends meet, that’s the real spirit of America. Every one of them is a star that shines bright in the American galaxy, and my message to you this year is for us to acknowledge what makes us great: the resilience built intrinsically within our spirit. We all shine bright; we have to forge our way forward. We don’t have to deny the past, but we have to acknowledge the greatness each and everyone has within us. We are our own Washingtons and Lincolns; each of us is imbued with that spirit: let’s drop the merciless partisan warfare and acknowledge the truth; out of many, we are one, and that’s where our true power lies. As our ship navigates the tumultuous ocean that surely awaits us over the next coming years, we must all unite to commandeer the ship or risk certain doom at rocky shores. Never feel diminished or small: resilience is built within our spirit and it’ll see us through, have faith.

Mia Rodriguez Anzalone: Our Publicist 

From being a small country with humble beginnings to becoming the great nation we know today, America’s immeasurable impact resonates with the world as a whole, regardless of if you are an American. Driving a quarter of the global economy, the U.S. champions economic prosperity that enriches regions far beyond its own borders. America is a lifeline to other countries in times of crisis, in which she extends her graceful hand and offers crucial support that pushes other regions to thrive in the face of adversity. As she continuously pushes limit and grows, she encourages and inspires the rest of the world to do the same; to never stop evolving. To always push the boundaries forward. To expand freedom to the remotest and most desolate places in the world. America is the beacon to which the world looks toward for guidance: this 4th of July, we must continue to live up to that answer and continue to affirm what America has always been throughout her history, the beacon of freedom and liberty.

Lya Quintana Nuñez: Our Vice Publicist 

As a child born in a third-world country, my childhood was filled with tyranny and oppression; I was taught that freedom was a privilege, not a right. I knew only of struggle and pain, with things like clean water and a stocked fridge being only achievable in fantasies. When I finally arrived in the US, I knew my dream had come true. This Fourth of July, nearly a decade later, I am grateful to the country that opened its doors and became a safe haven for refugees like my family. A nation that was once considered to be the laughingstock of the world is now one of the most substantial global powers. America gives her citizens seeds so they can plant a flower and, from that, make a garden. This country is filled with never ending possibilities and opportunities at the reach of her residents no matter their circumstances. Because being American is not about your place of birth, but rather your faith in our great country and everything she stands for: life, liberty, and justice for all.

Felix Puig Seppalainen: Our Vice Editor

The Fourth of July is a symbolism of independence and liberty that runs much deeper than simply winning a war. We use this day to appreciate the liberties we take for granted in our everyday lives. Americans will gather with family and friends for a day of festivities, including barbecues, parades, outdoor games, and fireworks, the grand finale of the day. Many families near the coasts celebrate on the beach, and those living in mainland states might prefer to spend the day in the park or at a lake. However, no matter how they spend it, American citizens use this day to show their patriotism and admiration for this great nation.

We’re at a time wherein political discourse is seen negatively and people refuse to accept even simple compromise. Yet America has survived worse and has always been connected by a love for a country that offers opportunities to all. So let’s remember this Fourth of July the importance of understanding others and not fall into the gloom as we will be able to wade through the storm of disunion and continue to represent the beacon of freedom we’ve always represented and must continue to represent across the world.

End

The multiple faces of America provide the rich backdrop that define the American identity. At Bridge of Wills, we’re proud to attempt to bridge the partisan divide that rips the fabric of our country apart, America is special and she’s worth fighting for. So from each of us at Bridge of Wills, we hope you have a joyful 4th of July!