I love the Fourth of July: the parades, the barbecues, the fireworks. It’s important to celebrate the things that make America unique — the history and traditions that have helped us stand out in the world. American independence is a core piece of who we are.

Our independence isn’t the only thing that makes us special, though. As anyone living in our communities can attest, we’re also deeply connected. We depend on each other to build our homes, to care for and educate our children, to heal us when we’re sick and help us up when we stumble. And we return those favors to our neighbors. In these days of division and discontent, it’s easy to forget about our interdependence — the fact that our fates are intertwined, and the responsibility we have to take care of one another.

My uncle lives on the West Coast in a community that regularly experiences earthquakes, floods, droughts, wildfires, power outages and extreme temperatures. Over the years, they learned that they can survive these events better together. That led them to establish safety protocols, share resources, and exchange critical information such as the locations of gas shut-off valves in each other’s homes. Each year, they celebrate “Interdependence Day” with a parade, a block party, and chance to revel in the ways their shared efforts have built a stronger community.

We are fortunate in Maine not to face natural disasters on this same scale. Still, the storms we’ve experienced in the past year have shown that we are not immune. As the flood waters rose in towns around the state last winter, neighbors jumped into action, helping each other move their belongings out of harm’s way. This community strength comes into play in other kinds of disasters, too. In the aftermath of the Lewiston shooting, neighbors checked in on each other, offering strength and care. In the town of Bowdoin, residents responded to unthinkable tragedy with love and kindness, creating a meal train and other support mechanisms for a family experiencing its darkest hour.

Interdependence isn’t just for disasters. In my community of Bowdoinham, we’re blessed with many volunteer-led efforts that ensure people have the support they need, whether that’s food, a ride to an appointment, or a chance to connect socially with others. And just recently in Richmond, I met a woman who spends much of her free time crocheting blankets which she donates for use by veterans, older adults and newborn babies. Through these small acts of caring for one another, we often open a window into someone else’s experience.

Every community draws strength from its connections. The more people who chip in with a little bit of their time, money, or expertise, the stronger and more resilient our community network becomes. While building community takes time and effort, in the long run it makes us stronger and more resilient, and we’re fortunate to live in a place where so many people contribute to that strengthening every day.

This year, as we celebrate our independence, let’s also give thanks for our interdependence, and the fact that the things that connect us are stronger than those that divide us. As we’re looking up at the fireworks, let’s also take a moment to look around at each other — the people with whom we share this remarkable community.

Whatever challenges come our way, we’ll do better facing them together.