The United States has faced adversity in June — the killing of nine African-Americans at a church in Charleston, S.C., the Ramadan attacks on three separate continents that struck terror across the world and the escape of two inmates from a New York maximum-security prison.

But mixed in with all those events was a ruling that brought together a nation that has been longing for positive news. While there has been opposition and progress still needs to be made, the same-sex marriage ruling on Friday was a step in the right direction not only for the LGBT community, but for America. 

The decision brought color to a country that has been growing dimmer because of the partisan bickering in Washington, the lack of recognition that our environment is in danger and income-inequality at levels not seen since the roaring 20s creating an increasingly disgruntled middle-class. 

But progress of the United States shined in its brightest colors on Friday.

President Obama summed up the importance of the day in America’s history in two sentences.

“Our nation was founded on a bedrock principle — that we are all created equal,” Obama said. “This ruling is a victory for America.”

In a close 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court, there was sure to be disagreement.

The conservative judges — Chief Justice John Roberts, along with justices Alito, Scalia and Thomas — dissented and wrote their own opinions.

“This Court is not a legislature,” Roberts wrote in his dissenting opinion. “Whether same-sex marriage is a good idea should be of no concern to us. Under the Constitution, judges have power to say what the law is, not what it should be.”

But on Friday it was the Supreme Court’s responsibility to make the right decision for America. 

Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion for the ruling, saying, “[Same-sex couples] asked for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”

The legalization presented reason to celebrate. And on Sunday, millions of Americans took part in gay pride parades across the country.

There is still work to do, but moments like these are what make America great.