I love July 4th.

Every July 4th, I go out on to the Mall in Washington to watch the best fireworks display in the country. But I don’t come in the evening. I make a picnic and come out in the early afternoon. All day long, I sit with friends, eat, and play games. And look around.

You see, the best part of July 4th is talking with my fellow citizens — the 100,000 or so Americans from across the country who are joining us on the Mall. Watching the young kids roll in the grass, the old-timers sit in their chairs, the college kids throwing frisbees, and the wonderful diversity that is America — Black, White, Latino, Asian, new immigrants, people whose ancestors fought in the Revolution, large loud raucous Italian families, rednecks with beer bellies, gay families, and religious families all enjoying the beautiful day (or taking cover in the Lincoln Memorial when it rains).

On July 4th, there are no Democrats or Republicans, no nasty partisan attacks or “the President is Hitler” signs. Just an easy, happy patriotism that the vast majority of Americans share.

On this day, E Pluribus Unum. We are all one. Even in Washington, DC.

I love July 4th.