Who we are

The greatest symbol of who we are

is not in fireworks,

or parades;

or in how unified we are

while singing the anthem.

The greatest symbol of who we are

sits in the quiet after the fireworks are done,

in the moments before the anthem plays,

in how we treat the person next to us,

and the heart within each of us.

It’s in how well we honor the earth

that holds us,

how we nurture the children

that look to us,

how we embrace the diversity

that expands us,

how well we protect the beauty

that surrounds us.

Before the parades.

After the fireworks.

Beneath the high waving flags.

It’s who we are on the ground,

in moments of need,

that tells who we are.

How well we support one another,

how much space we give each other

for growth and exploration,

how many miles we’re willing to travel

between our own understandings

and those of our neighbors.

These are the greatest symbols of who we are,

more than fireworks,

and parades,

and anthems,

and flags.

The greatest symbol of who we are

is what happens before and after

the show.

©️2026 Cristen Writes