 That's no accident. It's because we're built on certain principles. And we feel right now, many of us feel acutely, that some of those principles, some of those foundational truths are under assault, even within our own boundaries, even within our own country. And as we near our 250th anniversary and we debate the future of America's position in the world, it is worth us just taking a moment, especially on an occasion like this, to reflect upon where we've been and where we are and where we're going as a country.