It's once again time to mark the anniversary of the Treaty of Paris 1783, signed on September 3 of that year, by which Great Britain officially recognized the independence of the United States and the outcome of the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence of seven years prior was finalized.
On this occasion, I become aware of how much there is to take stock of about this country considering its great breadth. A country that started as a collection of 13 colonies on the Atlantic coast of North America then successfully broke free of the superpower of Britain has come to encompass so much in the course of its history. So many people have come to the United States to make it their home, adding such a wealth of cultures and traditions to the fabric of our land. Many of the people have achieved great accomplishments. Others have sought to enhance their lives, and taken up various causes that have been woven into the fabric of our American experience.
And then there's the geographic sense of the United States, containing so many different types of land from sea to shining sea, from low-lying bayous to great mountain heights, and places that freeze over in frigid winters to deserts that bake in summer heat. Furthermore, there are so many natural wonders in our land, as well as notable man-made places, in major cities and small rural towns.
It's pretty amazing to think that all of this is part of the United States. We are truly blessed that all of us share this wealth of people, cultures, and places. May we consider how to continue upholding these blessings of our country, that with everything we have, we may continue to flourish.
