It!s been a good thing to be in Boston and New York in the days after the midterm elections. Yesterday I went to Lexington and Concord, and was inspired by the colonists who examined their ethics and sense of integrity, conquered their fears, and stepped up when the times demanded it. Then, today in New York, it was my honor and privilege to gaze on a sculpture that more than any, ever, resonates in my core—the Statue of Liberty.
I sent a message to the universe as we sailed by, that I reaffirm everything she stands for, most particularly those huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Today, some of them made their way a little farther across Mexico. Vaya con Dios, fellow human beings. Many of us here await you with open hearts.
Though we dodged the abyss on Election Day, the future still looks pretty scary. May we find within us the spirit that animated those who stood up and won us our country, and may we fight without ceasing to win it back.
Tomorrow is Remembrance Day, or Veterans Day, as we call it in the United States. One hundred years ago, to the day, World War I ended. I honor here all those who fought for the reality I so often take for granted —the Doughboys, the Suffragists, the Civil Rights Workers. May I live in a way that is worthy of their sacrifices. May we all do the same.