On this Fourth of July weekend, I found myself reflecting on this great nation of ours. For the first time, I am not in the United States to celebrate America’s birthday, so this year the holiday has a unique vibe. This summer has been packed with travel full of excitement and adventure. In addition to seeing some of the most beautiful places and practicing a little bit of Russian, international travel has put some aspects of life in a new perspective. Although I always considered myself a thankful and appreciative person, it was not until I left the United States that I realized the many aspects of daily life Americans unknowingly take for granted.

So maybe I was a little surprised in Latvia when there were no plastic spoons to be found, which made eating yogurt in the morning impossible. Paying for a public restroom was also very new to me, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t too stubborn to purchase a glass of water at restaurants. Despite recognizing these daily cultural differences, the most surprising aspect of my trip to Latvia revolved around the dynamic and shockingly recent history of the nation. Although most United States citizens have not and will never have to worry about another country marching onto our land and overthrowing our government, Latvia spent the majority of the last century (1940-1991) under the control of the United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) and Germany. During wartime, control of Latvia was simply passed between the USSR and Germany, who both completely disregarded the Latvian Constitution and general way of life. The Soviet Occupation included mass deportations of Latvians if they showed any threat, or potential to threaten, the Soviet regime. For example, in June 1941, over 40,000 Latvian men, women and children were deported in cattle cars and sent to Siberian death and labor camps in just two nights. During German control, over 85,000 Jewish citizens were executed in Latvia. The nation was not liberated until August 21, 1991. Latvia became a member of the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2004.

Even with a general understanding of the occupations of Latvia before arriving in the country, it was not until I set foot in the country and met the people who survived these occupations that the history became real. The occupations devastated Latvia in unimaginable ways and left scars that will never quite disappear, but emerging from these healing wounds is an attitude that is uniting the newly independent nation: a deep appreciation for freedom.

Within the downtown of the capital, Riga, guarded by “The Freedom Monument,” I have never met a group of people more proud of their independence. In just the short time I was in the country, it became apparent that the Latvian people hold their heritage, history and independence very high. Similarly, their election statistics seem to support this ambiance. In Latvia, the voter turnout averages around 70 percent of the total population since their independence was declared. Meanwhile, since 2000, the United States experienced some of the highest voter turnouts in recent history — just passing 50 percent of registered voters.

Although voting is only one way to show an appreciation for our freedom, it is a reflection of how excited and obligated the citizens feel to participate in government. Latvia has been occupied for over fifty years. The country’s independence is only five years older than me — the wounds of occupation and oppression are still fresh. Yet, this horrendous history has produced a population that holds freedom close to their heart. Meanwhile, as the global role model for freedom, United States citizens seem to be slipping farther and farther from recognizing and appreciating the greatness of our free nation. Between the fireworks and the barbecue this weekend, I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on some of the many aspects we take for granted as Americans and truly take the time to appreciate the tremendous opportunities our free nation presents us.

Happy Birthday and God Bless America.