Now we know why the Democrats were so upset about President Donald Trump speaking on the Fourth of July.

It was not because it was political or partisan. It was patriotic, and that is what annoys the left the most.

Several days before the speech, we heard that Trump was hijacking Independence Day and turning it into a campaign rally. But Trump never mentioned the 2020 campaign in his speech.

We heard that Trump’s desire to have tanks on the National Mall was an out-and-out authoritarian performance art. But that wasn’t really the issue. Neither was the fake outrage over the cost.

There was no mention of political opponents and no mention of the fake news media. And this wasn’t Trump co-opting the nation’s birthday to celebrate himself. In fact, for a man who loves to talk about his accomplishments, he never mentioned himself.

No, Trump did something far more dangerous to the left. He gave America a strong dose of patriotism. He gave Americans a history lesson on the great people, heroes and their great accomplishments over the past 243 years.

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Karen Pence and others stand as the US Army Band performs and the US Navy Blue Angels flyover at the end of an Independence Day celebration in front of the Lincoln Memorial, Thursday, July 4, 2019, in Washington.

Earlier in the week, The New York Times ran a video arguing that America isn't the greatest nation on earth: "The U.S. is really just OK."

Without mentioning The Times or the video, Trump proceeded to tell us about America’s greatness for nearly an hour interrupted only by applause, flyovers and military songs. At one point, I thought, “Who is this guy and what have they done with President Trump?”

“Today, we come together as one nation with this very special Salute To America,” Trump said. “We celebrate our history, our people and the heroes who proudly defend our flag — the brave men and women of the United States military!”

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And boy, did he. Starting with the story of America’s war for independence, Trump quoted the words and deeds of Americans that have long been forgotten but need to be remembered.

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Trump told the story of Gen. George Washington as he readied his troops to fight the British invasion. Trump said, “Washington’s message to his troops laid bare the stakes. He wrote, ‘The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army. ... We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die.’”

We are the millions who benefited from their sacrifice.

In reminding America of the great acts of past generations, Trump brought it to the present by honoring our first responders and all of the men and women of law enforcement. Trump also honored the Gold Star families who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Legends and icons

He introduced NASA legend Gene Kranz and told him that we’re going back to the moon, and that we’re going to plant our flag on Mars.

He also introduced and thanked civil rights icon Clarence Henderson, who was 18 in 1960 when he took part in a sit-in at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. “Almost six decades later, he sits tonight in a seat of honor,” Trump said. “Clarence, thank you for making this a much better place for all Americans.”

I found it very unifying, but there were some triggers for the left.

Trump said, “This country (is) the most exceptional nation in the history of the world. ... It is its strongest now.” American exceptionalism annoys the left.

“We are one people, chasing one dream and one magnificent destiny,” Trump said. “We all share the same heroes, the same home, the same heart, and we are all made by the same almighty God.” Mentioning God annoys the left.

I think this should become a tradition for every president from now on. With all of the partisan political fights, it was nice to be reminded of America’s amazing heritage. It was inspiring, and that’s what we need.

For one day, Trump put partisan politics aside and focused the eyes of America on our past, present and to our future.

Thanks, Mr. President.

Gary Varvel is an editorial cartoonist with Creators Syndicate who retired from the USA TODAY Network's Indianapolis Star. Follow him on Twitter @Varvel

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The real reason why the left was against Donald Trump's July 4 speech