Today is the great American Holiday, Independence Day. From coast to coast and through all its 50 states people will be celebrating, enjoying themselves, and perhaps reflecting, if even for a moment what this country at its very heart represents to them.
In the grand scheme of time it is a new country compared to many. Its history just a brief flicker compared to that of much of Europe and Asia. Yet nearly 230 years ago something new and profound was created here when the 13 original colonies came together and established something the world had never seen before.
As written by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–”
Now these words and ideas that the founding fathers hoped to establish have influenced governments and continued to inspire people everywhere. It was something that had never happened before. A new country created by those who wanted to make a world in which all its people would have freedom, equality, and that all voices could be heard. Thus to create an even more perfect home for all who lived there.
There are many, both those who live away and even those who call it home who say that America could be a better and more perfect place. That the vision of the founding fathers has to yet to be realized and manifested. Scholars can argue and the average person can either reject or deny such claims.
The truth is that great dreams take time to reach fruition. That the loftiest vision is not always brought forth in an instant, in a year, or even through several long centuries.
The 14 runners here today know all too well how long and hard some journeys can be. For each, their goal is still so far off and so distant that they can barely see it, though in their hearts they still believe that it will one day come.

America does not claim perfection, as far as I can see. America does not claim illumination, as far as I know.
Now, does America claim anything? Yes, America does. What does America claim?
A colossal preparation: not only for its own illumination and perfection but for the illumination and perfection of the entire world.
Sri Chinmoy, The Liberty Torch, Agni Press, 1976