Our story is still being written: A Fourth of July letter to the residents of Colorado Springs on the 250th birthday of the United States

Mayor Yemi Mobolade released the following letter today to the residents of Colorado Springs reflecting on the meaning of the Fourth of July - Independence Day for the 250^th birthday of the United States.

Our Story Is Still Being Written

To the residents of Colorado Springs,

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a bold experiment in self-government began. Today, that experiment continues, and each of us has the privilege; and the responsibility; of helping write its next chapter. As we celebrate Independence Day and the 250th birthday of the United States of America, I wanted to take a moment to share a few reflections; and simply speak from the heart.

Like many of you, I have watched our nation navigate seasons of uncertainty. Some believe America is moving in the right direction. Others believe we have lost our way. Wherever you land, I believe we can agree on this: America has never been defined by the absence of challenges. America has always been defined by how we respond to them.

Our nation's story has never been one of perfection. It has always been one of perseverance. We were born in the midst of revolution. We endured a Civil War, the Great Depression, two World Wars, the Civil Rights Movement, the tragedy of September 11, and countless moments when people wondered whether our best days were behind us. Yet every generation chose hope over despair. They stepped forward. They sacrificed. They served. And they helped write the next chapter of the American story.

Now it is our turn.

As a naturalized citizen and the first elected Black mayor of Colorado Springs, I do not take the privilege of being an American for granted. I chose this country. Because I chose America, I believe two things can be true at the same time: America is an extraordinary blessing, and America is still a promise being fulfilled.

That is not a contradiction. It is one of our nation's greatest strengths. Each generation has the opportunity; and the responsibility; to leave this country stronger than it found it.

Here in Colorado Springs, we live out that promise every day. We call Olympic City USA home. We live beneath Pikes Peak-America's Mountain, the inspiration for America the Beautiful. We are home to the brave men and women of our American military who defend our freedoms around the world. And perhaps most importantly, we are a city where neighbors still care for neighbors.

As we mark America's 250th birthday, may we do more than look back with gratitude. May we also look forward with purpose. May we reject division without rejecting one another. May we love our neighbors. May we honor the God-given dignity of every person. May we welcome the competition of ideas without losing our compassion. May we serve our communities, participate in our democracy, and lead with courage, integrity, humility, and perseverance.

The American experiment is not over. Our story is still being written. And each of us has both the privilege and the responsibility to help write its next chapter. I leave you with the timeless words of our nation's first president, George Washington:

"We should never despair. Our situation before has been unpromising and has changed for the better. So I trust, it will again."

I believe that.

From my family to yours, Happy 250th Birthday, America. Happy Independence Day, Colorado Springs. May God bless you and your family. May God bless Colorado Springs. And may God continue to bless these United States of America.

Onward and upward,

Blessing "Yemi" Mobolade
Mayor of Colorado Springs