I'm writing this blog from the Charles River in Boston. The Pops is set up across the river, and the city has placed speakers on our side so we can hear the music.

The show began with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” As it started playing, people stood and looked for the nearest flag. It was behind us, so we turned around. In my eyeline I saw people of all different nationalities, singing the anthem, taking off hats, or showing respect simply by being quiet and looking at the flag.

As my friend Lynne and I walked the Freedom Trail today, I was struck by all the different languages I heard and faces I saw. This is America, the America of Emma Lazarus.

And even though today I am tired, and a little poorer, I am in America, proud to be an American and happy to be sharing it with a million people in a city rich with American history.

Happy Birthday, America.