As citizens of this great nation, it is kindness, love, and

Host: The ballroom was vast and silent, its chandeliers dimmed, its marble floor gleaming under the soft pulse of candlelight. The curtains swayed faintly in the late evening breeze, carrying with it the distant hum of a city still awake, restless beneath its own divisions. Outside, the flags moved slow in the wind — symbols both burdened and beloved.

Jack stood near one of the windows, his reflection fractured by glass and shadow. Jeeny sat at the long table, her hands folded neatly beside a small note card. On it was written, in neat cursive:

*“As citizens of this great nation, it is kindness, love, and compassion for each other that will bring us together — and keep us together. These are