What America Means To Me
I was brought up to believe that we are living in a country of great opportunity, where we all can thrive with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I was taught that we are living in the greatest country in the world, filled with a powerful police force and military who are risking their lives to protect us.
America.
America, to me, is beautiful and fair and just. It is the land of the unique and diverse.
America is being in your back yard on a brisk Fall day with a Golden Retriever begging for you to throw a Frisbee while you grill up hamburgers for your family after a long day of work.
It is waking up in the morning knowing that you have freedom of speech and second chances.
America is freedom.
The freedom to enroll your children in school, so they can become educated, while parenting them to the best of your ability at home.
The freedom to be whatever you want to be and do whatever you want to do every day. To make something of yourself.
The freedom to go to New York City whenever you want, and dance in Times Square or Central Park like nobody’s watching.
The freedom to spend your hard earned money to bring your family on vacation, just so you can see your child smile.
The freedom to practice any religion or worship any deity.
The freedom to go to the doctor for a check up or the dentist to get your teeth cleaned, to make sure that you remain healthy.
The freedom to work in any trade or career that you want, and support your family however you see fit.
We have the freedom to make our own decisions and love who we want to love.
Freedom is given to us by the brave men and women who serve our country. It’s the sacrifice, commitment and dedication of our military, veterans, and military families that make America great.
This is why I have always cherished and respected the land I live in. I know that life in other countries is many times worse than it is here.
I am blessed to live in a country where I have the right to do whatever I want and make my own decisions.
America should not be about division or hate, as it has seemed in recent times. America is not perfect, and we have many improvements to make, but we can better ourselves, together. America should be about bettering yourself in the greatest land of opportunity to be able to make an honest living for yourself and respecting those around you, despite their differences.
This is why on November 11, Veteran’s Day morning, I will be riding in a Veteran’s Day motorcycle run with Harley Davidson. I believe that military veterans are the bravest people in this country, and I think they deserve all of the credit, help, and respect in the world.
America, my home that I love. Because there isn’t one place I would rather be.
Other activities you could partake in on Veteran’s Day:
Thank a veteran in person.
Wear a yellow ribbon to show support for veterans and active duty service members.
Send a soldier a letter or a care package!
Visit a National Park on November 11 or 12 for free admission, even for non-veterans.
Attend a Veteran’s Day parade near you.
Attend a flag-raising ceremony. Local veterans organizations, such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, often participate with military banners and American flags.
Visit a Veteran’s hospital.
If you’re a mother or stepmother with a son and/or daughter currently serving, or who have been medically or honorably discharged from the five service branches of the United States, as well as the National Guard, Reserve and the Merchant Marine, you can join Blue Star Moms.
If you are a mother, stepmother, or adoptive mother with a son and/or daughter who became missing in action, died while on active duty, or died as a result of such service, you can join the American Gold Star Mothers.
If you are a veteran, register at Helmets To Hardhats for career assistance.
If you are a veteran or active duty service member, go to a restaurant where you can receive a discount or even eat for free!