Happy 4th of July!

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. --John F. Kennedy

Okay, okay, I know I see everything through "soccer-colored glasses." But, on this particular 4th of July there is no better example of what it means to be an American than our Men's National soccer team.

As an American, the ideals I associate with our great country are: Passion. Bravery. Perseverance. Grit. Spirit. We, as Americans, pride ourselves on the fact that we stand up for ourselves, and we love to accomplish the impossible. While Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and the others might not have achieved everything they set out to do, they certainly embodied the American spirit to a tee. Their integrity and honor shows us all how to be the best Americans we can be. Stars and Stripes Forever!