It was good to see so many people out celebrating this past weekend as America marked its 250th birthday. All across town, neighbors were out on their lawns, families were grilling, kids were playing and people were spending time together.

That was the best part of the weekend. It was not only one gathering or one place. It seemed like everywhere you went, people were outside enjoying the day. I saw one block party that looked like the entire neighborhood had come together. People had chairs set up, food cooking and kids running around while the adults visited. That is the kind of thing that makes a community feel like home. It does not have to be fancy or planned by anyone official. Sometimes the best celebrations are the simple ones, when neighbors open their yards, share food and take the time to be together.

The 250th birthday of our country is a big milestone and there are many ways to think about what that means. But one of the simplest and best parts of America is still found in neighborhoods like ours. It is found in people checking on each other, sharing a meal and making memories with the people who live nearby. This weekend was a nice reminder of that. It was good to see families outside, neighbors talking and the community coming together to celebrate. In a time when it can feel like people are divided, it was encouraging to see something so simple and good.

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend. More than anything, I hope we keep finding reasons to come together like that.