Perhaps Harry Truman said it best: “America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” Neil Armstrong said it another way in his historic walk on the moon: “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” From early patriots like Patrick Henry and Ben Franklin to the soldier serving in Kuwait, America is always in need of hearts that bleed red, white and blue. Perhaps now more than ever. We see evidence of the fabric of our way of life unraveling and it takes the courage and determination of each to keep it intact. It is up to us, you and me, to do one small thing to promote the general welfare.

At the Chamber, we subscribe to the one small thing mentality. We hold ribbon cuttings. We stage company field trips. We promote our areas businesses, because we know your prosperity is a blessing for Blue Springs, which is all of us. We celebrate milestones and personalities, and they become the alchemy of our community. Your participation in the Chamber is part of that process. Yes, we get it and you get it, but is that enough? Have we communicated that belief to our friends and families?

Let’s go a step further. We need to be pillars of ourfamilies, neighborhoods and communities in demonstrating that same spirit everysingle day. One small thing. What is one small thing you can do today to make yourcorner of the world a better place? Do something for one that you wish youcould do for millions. That small act of kindness generates ripples of changeto bless and improve Blue Springs. Brad Aronson lists 103things you can do, and people, they aren’t that hard.

On busy days offer compliments and open doors for others. Allowdrivers to change lanes ahead of you, especially when they annoy you. Plansomething a little more audacious once a week, like sending flowers to anursing home, offering resources to a teacher or collecting for someone inneed. These are endeavors you can collaborate with others in life changing civicimprovement. Putting differences aside, as many did after Hurricane Katrina,has long symbolized the patriotism and altruism of our nation. It’s time to setthat example once again.

It doesn’t stop there. MetroParent offers ten lessons you can teach to children within your family,instilling patriotism from a young age. Showing your children that you valueyour freedoms is so much more than fireworks on the 4^th. It’ssharing our history, explaining our symbols of freedom, it’s demonstratingcivic action. In the midst of violence and uncertainty, you can be the pillarof confidence your children need.

Yes, my heart bleeds red, white and blue. I’m a patriot. Myancestors may have immigrated here from Ireland, but I’m not an Irish American.I’m an American. Period. The 4^th of July is one of my favoriteholidays, and not just because it doesn’t involve roasting a turkey, lol. Forme, it’s a time to pay homage to the patriots who bought our freedom with theirlives, to celebrate our nation’s birthday, and to do something to further itswell being. Our national image may be looking a little tarnished right now, butit’s nothing we can’t correct by improving our own little corner of the world.