Marco Rubio is drawing praise online after delivering a heartfelt and deeply patriotic response to a question about faith and America during a White House press conference this week.

Rubio had just finished discussing the conclusion of Operation Epic Fury in Iran when CBN News White House correspondent Kelly Wright shifted the conversation in a more personal direction.

“You’ve had a deep faith for God and country,” Wright began.

Rubio immediately smiled and interrupted, saying, “I like this question… keep going.”

Wright then asked the Secretary of State what his hope is for America “at a time such as this.”

Rubio’s answer quickly turned into what many viewers are calling a one-minute master class on patriotism, gratitude, and the American ideal.

“My hope for America is what it’s always been,” Rubio said. “I think it’s the hope we all share. We want it to continue to be the place where anyone from anywhere can achieve anything — where you’re not limited by the circumstances of your birth, the color of your skin, or your ethnicity.”

The longtime public servant acknowledged that the United States is not perfect, but argued that America’s history remains uniquely marked by growth and progress.

“We’re not perfect. Our history is not one of perfection,” Rubio said. “But it’s still better than anybody else’s history.”

He continued by calling the United States “a unique and exceptional country” as America approaches its 250th anniversary.

“I think we have a lot to learn and be proud of in our history,” Rubio added. “It is one of perpetual and continuous improvement, where each generation has done its part to bring us closer to fulfilling the vision that the founders of this country had upon its founding.”

Rubio’s remarks resonated with many Christians and conservatives online, especially because of his longstanding openness about his faith.