At times it is easy to get discouraged when we think about how far we still have to go to realize America’s Promise of Opportunity. Yet, perhaps the measure of our contribution lies not in reaching the destination of a Newer World, but in the striving toward it, keeping the dream in sight so that it does not disappear entirely beyond a distant horizon. Yet, as I reflect on Independence Day 2023, I find that I cannot let go of the dream. I still believe that all of us want to rise above our own worst day and give something back to our families and to our community. And I still believe in the power of individuals – acting from courage and conviction – to change the world in which they live for the better.