What is an American?
by Michael Brown
An American is not delineated by a particular skin color or way of life. He is a person from many places, with many shades of skin; of different sizes and varied energies. He has a Master’s Degree, or he may have never finished high school. He may drive an expensive automobile or perhaps he relies on two mules to carve his living out of the earth. But regardless of what he is lacing the different physical features together is a bond of strength in tradition which exemplifies the American way; a way which opens the doors of opportunity to all people who may knock upon them. An American has a spirit which was born when the bells tolled of Independence, and which has released the adrenalin of his nation time and again when it’s existence was threatened by an aggressor.
An American does not view armed conflict as a means of getting what he wants, but rather as a means of protecting what he has. He is one who loves the very concept of Peace for all nations, but will not hesitate to fight on the shores of others to protect his own. An American sees the knowledge of experience in his past, feel pride in the accomplishments of the present and has hope for the future of the world, even when others would view the days to come with dismay. But a realistic American finds no guarantee of freedom or security in the future solely because he has always had it in the past.
An American recognizes the faults of his system and seeks to correct them through a process unknown to many nations. A process which does not promise absolute perfection, but one which allows for peaceful change, if change is needed. That process is democracy, and an American holds that word so dear, that he stands ready at a moments notice to lay down his life for its perpetuation.
An American finds nothing at all unusual about getting cold chills when his flag passes in review, for his flag has always been a source of inspiration; when the smoke cleared offer Fort McHenry, when its sheen was reflected on the sands of Jwo Jima, and when the colors glistened on the side of the craft which took the first man to the moon. An American sees nothing strange about getting a lump in his throat when the National Anthem is played, or weeping unashamed when taps is played for one who paid the ultimate price for his freedom. He realizes that the only thing that exceeds that price is freedom itself. And American never forgets the indebtedness he has because of that sacrifice, for without, his freedom would only be an unreachable concept in some philosopher’s mind.
A true American is the essence of pride in a way of life. What is an American you say? He is fortunate.
An American does not view armed conflict as a means of getting what he wants, but rather as a means of protecting what he has. He is one who loves the very concept of Peace for all nations, but will not hesitate to fight on the shores of others to protect his own. An American sees the knowledge of experience in his past, feel pride in the accomplishments of the present and has hope for the future of the world, even when others would view the days to come with dismay. But a realistic American finds no guarantee of freedom or security in the future solely because he has always had it in the past.
An American recognizes the faults of his system and seeks to correct them through a process unknown to many nations. A process which does not promise absolute perfection, but one which allows for peaceful change, if change is needed. That process is democracy, and an American holds that word so dear, that he stands ready at a moments notice to lay down his life for its perpetuation.
An American finds nothing at all unusual about getting cold chills when his flag passes in review, for his flag has always been a source of inspiration; when the smoke cleared offer Fort McHenry, when its sheen was reflected on the sands of Jwo Jima, and when the colors glistened on the side of the craft which took the first man to the moon. An American sees nothing strange about getting a lump in his throat when the National Anthem is played, or weeping unashamed when taps is played for one who paid the ultimate price for his freedom. He realizes that the only thing that exceeds that price is freedom itself. And American never forgets the indebtedness he has because of that sacrifice, for without, his freedom would only be an unreachable concept in some philosopher’s mind.
A true American is the essence of pride in a way of life. What is an American you say? He is fortunate.
I love this country.I truly believe that is was blessed by the Lord. We have fought for our freedoms, and will continue to do so to keep them. Whether from outside forces or those on the inside. We need to be aware of what is going on around us and be willing to stand up for what is right.
I'm thankful for our forefathers who I believe had the spirit guide them as they were trying to come up with a fair system that would work for all men.
We live in a place where the "Pursuit of Happiness" is a real dream, if we are willing to work for it.
I hope that during this time of year that we can remember all those that fought to make this country what it is. And I hope that we can continue to fight for the freedoms and privilages that we hold so dear.
1 comment:
And I am so thankful for Steve and all the other men who sacrifice to serve this Country. I'm thankful for you and the support you give and sacrifices you make as the wife of one in the military. Thank you so much!!
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