In my 75 years of life I have seen many changes.  As I contemplate recent events I reflect back to my childhood in a southern backwoods community where being racist and sexist was considered to be "God's Will."  I have now lived to see an African American elected to the highest office in the land, and the most important political position in the world.  I have seen a woman almost win the Presidential nomination of one of our major parties.  I have seen both major parties nominate a woman for Vice President.  I have seen two women confirmed as Secretary of State - one Jewish American and one African American.  I have seen two women serve on the United States Supreme Court.  I have seen an African American soldier rise to the rank of full general and go on to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of State. 

We have now doubled our leadership talent pool by demonstrating tha someone other than white men are able and willing to serve in the highest councils of government.

We Americans have had a right to be proud ever since those brave gentlemen met in Philadelphia and signed the Declaration of Independence.  Today, we have even more reason to be proud of our country.  We can all stand a little taller and say to the world, "Just take a look at us!"