230 and growing

I recently watched the fireworks in celebration of the fourth of July, the anniversary of our nations Indepenance. As I watch the show, which was quiet good actually I was in awe at how far we've come. I'm sure that any europeans that are reading this just gave a snort of disagreement but hear me out. We have gone from a nation where only rich, white, protestant, men could vote or have any say in the outcome of the nation.We where a nation that once held a third of it's citizens in bondage. A nation where those that mothered our children and gave so much of themselves to our nation could not even vote. We where once a nation that burnt so called "witches" at the stake. All these injustices have been corrected, we have strove( not always successfully) to be good stewards of our vast economic and military might. As I watched the sky fill with illumination I couldn't help but feel pride at how far my nation has come. I do believe that while we are not completely there yet we are on the road to becoming as one great american once said that "Shining city on the hill"
So happy birthday America may many countless generations have the honor of calling you home.