Happy Birthday America!

To all Americans across the U.S. and abroad, happy Independence Day and happy 250th birthday!

On this date, we take the opportunity to say thank you for giving us a home and for all the freedoms you have given us.

We could not do what we love in China, but here, in this beautiful country (that’s what the for America in Chinese—“mei guo”—literally means), we have found hope. For those of us who escaped brutal persecution, you have given us safety and peace to rebuild our lives.

You have given us religious freedom, artistic freedom, and a new community. We know this freedom was hard earned and came at great cost. Thank you for all the service men and women who have sacrificed so much, and their families, so we could have these freedoms—we cherish them every day.

Thank you for welcoming us and taking us in—we hope that through our performances we are able to give you back the best that we have as well.

So happy birthday, America—you’re only 250 once!

May you and yours have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July!