To the editor:

Many of you, like me, may have little enthusiasm to celebrate the 250th anniversary.

Many of you, like me, have not flown our nation’s flag for several years.

I’m choosing to celebrate and will gladly fly the flag.

I’m choosing to celebrate because of what the founders conceived, not what we have become.

I’m choosing to celebrate the great things that our ancestors have done while being mindful of shameful moments in history.

I’m choosing to celebrate the yearning in the hearts of many Americans to achieve a more humane and tolerant spirit towards all.

I’m choosing to celebrate those who are clear-eyed about the forces that are undermining the foundation of our republic.

I’m choosing to celebrate the hope that these dark days will pass and we once again will be led with humility, reason, and charity.

I’m choosing to celebrate those who are willing to sacrifice their comfort to assure “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” is available to all.

I’m choosing to celebrate the unique goodness that this great cause might yet be.

Stan Ricketts,

Lawrence