The perseverance of American optimism at Philadelphia's Independence Hall

Touring Independence Hall on July 4 is a favorite pastime of mine. Arguably one of the most important buildings in the history of Western civilization, Independence Hall is where the country began. It’s where the Founding Fathers debated and adopted the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution. Being born and raised in Philadelphia, and spending my high school years living a few blocks away from where the nation was founded, visiting there became a family ritual during the holiday.