“A Renewed Promise”
To the residents of Colorado Springs,
As we gather to celebrate the Fourth of July — the birthday of our great nation — we are reminded that America is not just a place. It’s a promise. A promise of liberty, of opportunity, and of shared destiny. And like every great promise, it must be renewed; not just in words, but in how we live, lead, and love our neighbors.
Exactly 249 years ago, a courageous group of visionaries declared independence not just from a monarchy, but toward a future rooted in unalienable rights — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They weren’t perfect, but they were bold. They disagreed on many things yet found unity in a common purpose.
Today, as the Mayor of Olympic City USA, and as someone whose life was forever changed by the American Dream, I am reminded of just how powerful that unity still is.
When I first arrived in this country, I came with hope in my heart. I was looking for opportunity, purpose, and belonging. I found all three right here — in the service of our veterans and active-duty military families, in the resilience of our small business owners, in the selfless work of our city employees, and in the strength of our community, which embraces each other not despite our differences, but because of them.
This year, I have also had the gift of perspective, having recently walked through personal health challenges that reminded me of what truly matters. Life is precious. Community is sacred. And freedom is not something we inherit once and for all, it is something we must continue to steward, together.
So, on this Independence Day, let us remember:
Freedom is not about standing alone. It is about standing together.
Patriotism is not a partisan word. It is a commitment to the well-being of all neighbors.
And the flag we fly today doesn’t represent perfection; it represents our shared hope of a more perfect union.
As fireworks light the Colorado Springs sky tonight, may they also light within us a renewed spirit of gratitude, for those who came before us, for the blessings we enjoy today, and a renewed promise for the work we must continue to do on behalf of future generations.
From my family to yours, I wish you a joyful, safe, and united Independence Day. May the promise of America burn brighter than ever, in our skies, in our hearts, in our city, and in our nation.
Onward and upward,
Yemi Mobolade
Mayor of Colorado Springs