Today we celebrate our nation’s independence by commemorating the United States adopting the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, officially breaking away from British control of the colonies.

Today, the words of that document ring as true today as they did 242 years ago: “ … We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness …”

Our nation is not perfect; none are.

Despite our problems, our differences and our disagreements, the government forged from the foundations set forth in the Declaration and later refined in the U.S. Constitution is unique.

Perhaps never before in our lifetimes has our country been as politically divisive as it currently is.

But our country is ultimately at its best when we are challenged. We’re at our best when we are reminded of the great struggle our forefathers endured in the name of creating a government based on principles, not nobility or wealth.

Most important, today as we celebrate our nation’s independence, let us remember that our government works best when we work together, civilly and with respect for one another. We must realize that all Americans are created equal and have rights, regardless of political leaning.