longer.blue

Message to Americans from Ukraine. My friends in America, on your Independence Day, I ask you: make it a great day. Be thankful for your country and your people, just as we are thankful for waking up every day and having a life to live. Sometimes it’s not the life we dreamed, but it’s still a life to live. The same logic works when we think about our nation. They will never be as perfect as we would wish, but they are ours, just like our families. Make it a day for you, for your loved ones, for your community. For sure, don’t forget our fights. Don’t forget that monster in the White House. But don’t let those people steal what belongs to you and not them. Your pride in being American belongs to you, not to any politician or celebrity. Or a celebrity-turned-politician, or whatever. And most importantly, don’t forget the true meaning of those stars and stripes. See your country for what it has been across history, not what some people want to make it right now. This moment, no matter how ugly, will end. The idea, the dream, the people who stand for them, that’s what will last. Forever. Celebrate that. And keep it alive. —Viktor Kravchuk