In Washington DC, north of the National Mall on Constitution Avenue, the National Archives Museum stands tall and mighty, bearing the Charters of Freedom. Within the Rotunda, the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights lay behind a thick glass case, being displayed to the millions of visitors who hail from all around the country and the world to remind themselves of the origins behind the American experiment.

The Constitution begins with these three words: “We the People.” The Declaration of Independence’s second paragraph states that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” The Bill of Rights’ Joint Resolution states that its purpose was to extend “...the ground of public confidence in the Government.” In all three Charters of Freedom, a common thread is notable: each document was created to serve and protect the people, the whole of America.

As we approach the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration, it seems as if the country has lost the vision of a United States of America. In a recent Gallup poll, 91% of Republicans have an unfavorable view of Democrats, while 86% of Democrats feel the same about Republicans. Furthermore, an uptick in political violence has turned the already polarized political climate into a volatile one. With statistics and headlines like these, it may be easy to become hopeless, viewing our country’s direction as bleak.

However, the future is not all bleak. Even today, the fundamental American way of life continues, regardless of the policies that come out of Washington. We see the little moments of hope, particularly in sports. With the World Cup being hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, we’ve seen such pure camaraderie and soft power diplomacy triumphing over hatred and division. In Los Angeles and all across the country, millions cheered on as the US Men’s team delivered a resounding victory against Paraguay. It was a rare moment when people, regardless of politics, were able to get together and cheer on a team that represents the very best of America.

As I make a return to the YUNity Project after a three-month hiatus (which was, regrettably, unannounced to our readers), I understand the power of words that come from a foundation of peace, love, and unity. To our readers, I urge you to remember the creed in which America was founded: a more perfect union. Not just a perfect union, but a more perfect union. That one word, etched onto parchment paper two centuries ago, makes perfection a journey, not a destination. This union has survived a literal civil war – a war that left around 750,000 Americans dead. I firmly believe we will overcome; we shall overcome.

Veritas vos liberabit: The truth shall set you free.

Hajoon “HJ” Yun is the Founder, President, and Chief Reporter for the YUNity Project.