Senator John McCain made the following remarks in his 2008 presidential run. They have stayed with me over the years and ring true today.
"My friends, I learned long ago that serving only one's self is a petty and unsatisfying ambition. But serve a cause greater than self- interest and you will know a happiness far more sublime than the fleeting pleasure of fame and fortune. For me, that greater cause has always been my country, which I have served imperfectly for many years, but have loved without any reservation every day of my life."
Happy birthday America!