I’ve been reading a biography on Harry Truman and have felt more patriotic. I enjoyed the most atypical Independence Day here in Ponza, Italy: we rented a boat and cruised around the island, stopping for a swim amongst the towering rocks. There was no English spoken anywhere around us.

Yet for all the bliss experienced today, I also felt lingering background thoughts about my country. Truman faced perilous times at the close of World War II and immediately after; his immaculate character was necessary to keep the country afloat. It feels as though we are in similar dangerous times. There are multiple sinister wars abroad, the country’s economy feels precipitous, and the two candidates in our upcoming election seem completely inadequate.

It’s thus time for us ordinary Americans to be extraordinary citizens. To talk about domestic and foreign policy, to write to our representatives, and to of course vote. We must be the change we wish to see in our country and in the world. We can help lead the world toward peace, we can fix our economy so that all have a chance at a decent life, and we can nominate leaders of whom we are proud and confident. But it takes doing.

Two hundred forty eight years later, on America’s birthday, we need true patriotism. Are we willing to provide it?