The fireworks display in Albert Lea is at dusk.

But notice something more than the aerial show.

Look about the people gathered at Fountain Lake Park and around the downtown area to watch the show. Because this event has no fee and is highly visible, it brings out a wide sample of community residents, perhaps more than any other on the calendar.

You will find our community has more diversity than perhaps imagined. Sure, Albert Lea has a lot of white people, but no one can say it is just white. There are many people who reside in our community of other races, and every year there are more.

This is a good thing. For on this Independence Day, it is notable to remember that America is the great melting pot. The blending of cultures — no matter which continent they migrate from — is what has made America unique, illustrious and strong in the past and the present and will in the future.

Celebrate America. Have a happy Fourth of July!