Opportunities for all

Every Fourth of July, we dress in as much red, white and blue as possible to show our most patriotic selves. 

We enjoy the parades and feast on hot dogs and apple pie. We might enjoy a beer or two, safely, of course. 

Then, we end the night with a patriotic flair as fireworks light up the sky. 

But sometimes I wonder if we get so caught up in celebrating that we forget the reasons why we're celebrating. 

We forget the choices and sacrifices made to get us to this point. 

We forget the countless hours of hard work and dedication it's taken for any of us to achieve success or reach our hopes and dreams. 

We forget that sometimes simply living in this country affords us opportunities we might not have otherwise. 

America is known as the land of opportunity after all. 

The U.S. is known for being the place where people can achieve anything if they put their minds to it, no matter who they are. 

So this July 4, the Observer reflected on the notion that America, indeed, is the land of opportunity. 

We reflect on our region's history and see how Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch came to be an arts mecca and a top-selling multigenerational, master-planned community. We take a look at a few of the people who influenced these pieces of American paradise. 

We often think of the American dream as it pertains to our land of opportunity. It didn't take us long to find people in the area who have made the most of it. 

Although people differ on the state of education today, individuals like Shelbie Ricks and Alejandro Peralta remind us how far an education can take you. 

We see hard working people every day tirelessly dedicating themselves to their jobs, businesses and families. 

Whether it's dedicating your life to a restaurant that gave you the opportunity to build a fulfilling life starting at 16 years old, or being a hunter who wants to educate others, or an attorney helping youth in the justice system, there are plenty of examples of people living their American dream right here in our area. 

We've seen time and time again the opportunities we've had and that we've seized and the successes that have stemmed from those opportunities. 

More importantly, we've seen how people have taken that success and used it to help others, to extend that opportunity chain. 

Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch are home to countless nonprofits that are always ready to give a helping hand whenever needed. 

So while you're enjoying your slice of apple pie or watching a kid light up at the sight of a sparkler, take a moment to reflect on your life.

Think about the opportunities you've been given, the ones you've worked so hard to grasp. 

Think about how far you've come and how far you can go. 

Then, think about what you can do for others. 

As President John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."