"My mother’s first day in America was 57 years ago on the Fourth of July, at the age of 18. As her son, as the son of immigrants, it pains me now to see the attacks on people who came to this country on the basis of the promise made at its founding but never fulfilled – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. On the day in history when our nation rejected an authoritarian ruler, so many now embrace one.
"Independence Day – which only marked independence for some – is both a reminder of where our country is and a celebration of what it should and can be. What I want it to be is an opportunity. A rallying cry. A moment to demand that the promises declared in 1776 are fulfilled. Independence Day is a declaration of purpose and a commitment to progress.
"There are two Americas – the one Donald Trump stands for, and the one for whom patriotism means pushing back on hatred and pushing our country toward progress, toward its promise. I’m proud to know which America I stand and celebrate in."
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