Here in the United States, we are celebrating the 4th of July.

It’s a hot day in Chicago, where I live. The city is hosting a NASCAR race and Mensa’s Annual Gathering—two events that may never have been in such close proximity before. There will be official fireworks in suburbs throughout the area, though none in Chicago itself, and unofficial fireworks in the park across the street from my house and the alley behind it. (Well into the early hours. Ms. Whiskey and I will not be happy.) The city’s parks are full of families setting up canopies, lawn chairs, folding tables loaded with food, and charcoal grills.

Personally, I plan to attend my neighborhoods’ “everyone marches” parade.

I also plan to take a few moments to think about why we are celebrating. The promise that has not yet been completely fulfilled but which stands at the core of who we are as a nation:

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.

It is a promise worth remember, and worth fighting for.