Brooke Carter
Jennifer Cruce
America means something
different to all of us. To people in other countries, it may mean
"lucky" or "evil empire," depending on the way they feel
about our country. In many other countries, people are told by their government
Americans think they are better than other nations and their people, and that
we are trying to take advantage of them. On the other hand, there are many
people across the world that are willing to say, "America is number
One." They know we have helped them and they are very grateful. To me,
what makes America great is our pride, joy, rights, and freedom for everyone,
regardless of their race, religion, or beliefs.
I feel America is a
great country, and I feel great pride in being an American. Citizens in other
countries might say we are just lucky, but that is not true. Our forefathers
fought and died for the rights we now enjoy. Like other countries, freedom did
not come easily. Perhaps what other countries call luck is what we call
sacrifice and determination. Having rights, being proud of whom we are, having
a vision for our country, and protecting our freedom is what America is all
about.
Americans are special
in many ways. September 11th demonstrated just how strong Americans truly are.
During the days following 9/11, America came together as a nation, supporting
each other and our government in many, many ways. People flew their flags,
prayed for the victims and their families, and vowed to stick together. The
tragic events of that day made every American realize how important it is to
make sure we fight for our rights and remain together. Brave people continue to
fight so that we keep those rights.
"America"
also means opportunity. Many immigrants arrived in our country penniless, but
knew that hard work and a can-do attitude would make them successful. Many
became millionaires, while others were happy they were able to provide a
comfortable lifestyle for their families. Either way, they were successful.
They took great pride in their jobs, families, and accomplishments. They helped
create what we call "The American Spirit." It is that spirit that is
demonstrated each day, in every city, by every day people.
What makes America so
different from the rest of the world is our freedom. We have freedom to worship
the God of our choice, freedom to vote, freedom to say what we think without
fear of punishment. We can do what we want for a living. Education is available
to everyone. Women and men are treated as equals. How many countries have that
kind of freedom?
I think that kind of
freedom is what makes us proud and joyful to be Americans. Knowing how precious
that freedom is makes us that much more protective of it. Americans have died
and will continue to die to insure America stays a free nation and that our
rights remain intact.
I am very happy that
I was born to be an American. I know there are children in other countries with
no home, no parents, and no hope for a better life. In America, I have choices.
My decisions, not the government, will decide my future. I have opportunities
while children, especially girls, in other parts of the world do not. I can
vote, run for office, and speak my mind. I have the option of choosing a career
that may actually help someone whose government will not. Because I am an
American, I can make a difference in the world, and so can you. What America
means to me is pride in our past, our present, and future. I am proud and
joyful to be an American.