When we honor America on Friday…

You can find an example of all that’s good and right in this world on a city block near me.

There, a series of Little Library structures invite wanderers to nourish their souls. “Take a tiny piece of art, leave a tiny piece of art,” invites one. “Take a book, leave a book,” says another. Between the two, a greenhouse invites all comers to take a plant or leave a plant.

I treat myself to the view and to a deep, cleansing inhale of generosity each time I walk past.

When we honor America on Friday, let’s celebrate that kind of neighborhood kindness.

I recently heard a high school senior use her graduation speech as a platform to elevate others. Maddie Allen didn’t just talk about how diversity makes us stronger, she demonstrated it by inviting three of her friends, all with wildly disparate backgrounds, to share their stories.

“Difference should not mean the lack of togetherness, and togetherness should not mean the lack of difference,” she said with poise and eloquence well beyond her years.

When we honor America on Friday, let’s celebrate that kind of precocious wisdom.

Last week, my neighbor Sharon left a Cool Whip container full of fresh herbs outside my door, along with an invitation to help myself to all the basil, rosemary and dill I wanted to pick from her very impressive garden.

Sharon works hard and always grows more than she can consume, so she shares it with cheerful exuberance.

When we honor America on Friday, let’s celebrate that kind of prolific generosity.

A little boy I know makes about a hundred friends a day. He marches right up to kids at parks and swimming pools and says, “Hey! Do you want to play with me?” Generally, they do. I’ve seen him coax entire playgrounds full of idle strangers into one lively game of tag.

When we honor America on Friday, let’s celebrate that kind of friendly confidence.

Last night at the its free weekly concert, the Appleton City Band honored the military by playing a medley of each branch’s song. As their song played, members who had served in that branch stood at proud attention and received our applause.

When we honor America on Friday, let’s celebrate that kind of dignified service.

Saturday night I watched an epic fireworks show hosted by a young family that lives in a house with a beautiful view. They earned the view and they shared it generously at a take-all-comers party.

When we honor America on Friday, let’s celebrate that kind of work ethic and appreciation.

The owner of an ice cream shop near me makes an annual trip to his hometown in Mexico. He brings toys for the kids and supplies for struggling families. He also works hard to build his own small business and to advocate for other small business owners here.

When we honor America on Friday, let’s celebrate that kind of community involvement.

We are a country of vast resources, chief among them our people.

When we honor America on Friday, let’s stand up for them and for the values we hold dear.