Foster renewal of the American spirit of E Pluribus Unum (from many, one)
In the name American we find our national identity, memory, and unity. George Washington, father of our country, spoke candidly: Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. – The name of AMERICAN, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism…
We are reminded through an array of media of the many ways in which Americans are divided.
Yet after 9/11, we saw a resurgence of patriotism, a reminder that first and foremost, we came together acknowledging that we are free Americans, blessed by our shared heritage and national identity, and prepared to safeguard and defend our country.
Even in the vigorous exercise of our political processes, may we be reminded again of our overarching national unity and purpose, our kinship with one another as Americans.
Let us together be the “we” in “We the people” and devote an appropriate amount of our time and talent fulfilling the highest office in America: that of citizen.
