Harriet Hageman: “We so often talk about what doesn't work in Washington, DC, but today is a pretty good day because we are moving closer…”

In Gallup’s 25-year patriotism survey, just 17 percent, or less than 1 in 5 American adults, reported that they were ‘very proud’ of being an American.

I am, in fact, optimistic that those festivities we’ve already enjoyed are currently inspiring a new sense of purpose in our national identity.

My friends on the other side of the aisle have worked mightily to weaponize our history with slavery to indict our nation as irredeemable.

I hope that by focusing on America’s 250th anniversary – and looking back over that history with honesty and accuracy — we will reverse these declines.