; Whereas American patriotism is defined not by race or ethnicity but by devotion to the Constitutional ideals of equality, liberty, inclusion, and democracy and by service to our communities and struggle for the common good; Whereas President John F. Kennedy, whose family came to the United States from Ireland, stated in his 1958 book A Nation of Immigrants that The contribution of immigrants can be seen in every aspect of our national life. We see it in religion, in politics, in business, in the arts, in education, even in athletics and entertainment. There is no part of our nation that has not been touched by our immigrant background. Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life. ; Whereas President Ronald Reagan in his last speech as President conveyed An observation about a country which I love ; Whereas as President Reagan observed, the torch of Lady Liberty symbolizes our freedom and represents our heritage, the compact with our parents, our grandparents, and our ancestors, and it is the Statue of Liberty and its values that give us our great and special place in the world; Whereas other countries may seek to compete with us, but in one vital area, as a beacon of freedom and opportunity that draws the people of the world, no country on Earth comes close ; Whereas it is the great life force of each generation of new Americans that guarantees that America's triumph shall continue unsurpassed through the 21st century and beyond and is part of the magical, intoxicating power of America ; Whereas this is one of the most important sources of America's greatness: we lead the world because, unique among nations, we draw our people—our strength—from every country and every corner of the world, and by doing so we continuously renew and enrich our nation ; Whereas thanks to each wave of new arrivals to this land of opportunity, we're a nation forever young, forever bursting with energy and new ideas, and always on the cutting edge , always leading the world to the next frontier