As we celebrate Independence Day, we recall that momentous act of our nation's founders in 1776 when together we embarked on a new path as a new people. What formed our nation into a truly "United" States was first and foremost a unity as believers in God and as a people who shared an awareness of their spiritual purpose and destiny.

Although we have changed and grown as a nation since that first Independence Day, our ability and willingness to persevere as one people, united most especially by faith in God as brothers and sisters, continues to define and shape our identity as Americans.

May we commit anew this Independence Day to do our part to sustain our unity and our faith, rejecting divisiveness and disharmony and pledging allegiance to one nation, under God.