• I love the United States because we have fair and free elections. All our citizens, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or sex, may register and vote in our elections. And when those votes are counted, we know the people have spoken about what direction they want our country to take. Voting is one of the foundational pillars of a free democracy.

• I love the United States because it is a melting pot of immigrants who come here to seek a better life. Four of my great-great grandparents arrived here on boats, coming through Ellis Island, ready to work hard and give their children the opportunity to fulfill the promise of this land. On my mother's side, one of our forebears arrived on the Mayflower seeking religious freedom, and her descendants fought for our freedom from England in the Revolutionary War. I honor the immigrants and veterans in my family tree. And I welcome those who come here today to chase the same American dream.

• I love the United States because of our diversity. Ours is a rich and varied culture, flavored with the customs, food, and art of the many people who have joined our noble experiment. What cultural wealth we have! Our differences make us more remarkable and brilliant and are not something to fear or ridicule.

• I love the United States because of our public schools. It is so important that our children all have access to education, regardless of their socio-economic status. Universal education is the engine that powers our hope for continuing progress.

• I love the United States because although we have surely made our share of mistakes, both large and small, throughout the years, we have never lost our determination to keep improving, to keep on struggling to make things better for more of us. We have a sense of hope and a belief that light will drive out evil and justice will prevail. Though it sometimes seems dark, and we seem to lose our way, the faith that we can get it right keeps us moving forward.

American author Guy Kawasaki suggests that there are two kinds of people in the world: Bakers and Eaters. Eaters believe that life is a zero-sum game and that resources are limited. Bakers believe that there will always be enough and that we can bake more and bigger pies.

I'd like to think that most Americans are Bakers, believing that we can use our ingenuity to meet any challenges that come our way, especially when we work together.