When I consider the freedom afforded to me by the mere chance of my having been born to the daughter of a woman who immigrated from Austria and a man whose family came from Syria, I realize that nothing about which I might be drawn to complain matters. Think of what America brings us: Roads on which to drive; letters dropped in a box tacked to our houses; schools for the education of our children; clean water, unadulterated food, a helping hand at the end of a three-digit phone call.
Today none of us can complain. Tomorrow, I might go back to whining about my foolish lot in life, but for at least one day, my tongue falls silent. Thank you, America. And God bless each and every one of you, wherever you are. It’s the 4th day of July, 2016, the 240th birthday of our nation. Life continues.
A READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
In October of 2001, I had an oral argument in Washington D.C. on behalf of a client who then was in the United States Army. He met me at the airport in full uniform, and took me to the Pentagon. I did not have a camera and could not take pictures of my own, but many photos captured the image of the flag then draped over the Pentagon as a symbol of our continued strength in the face of our enemies. I have not forgotten that sight, nor the incredible emotion which rose within me as I stood next to my client. He saluted the flag and we remained there, for some time, in absolute silence.
Lady Liberty, Thank you. Thank you for everything you have done for me and for my fellow citizens.