"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
-Abraham Lincoln

There are certainly many things one could say about "America the Beautiful." Not just the patriotic song always played on the Fourth of July, but America itself. The country is beautiful to me. It is also currently troubled, divided and in need of strong leadership, but what country isn't? The things that plague America aren't immune to other countries. Often I feel as though we aren't appreciative enough to the daily freedoms we take for granted in this great country. We tend to shift our focus on what could be improved in this nation rather than what has been done so that we are able to live a good life here. Let's take a moment to really be grateful for some of the things we are able to enjoy as American citizens.

1. Free speech

If you don't like reading what I have to say in this article, great. It doesn't mean that I can't write it, say it or publish it because in America we are encouraged to speak our minds and engage in the free market of ideas and thought. It doesn't exactly exclude you from getting into trouble nor is it an automatic "Get Out Of Jail Free" card by any means, but hey, you can still have your own secret opinions.

2. We can vote for elected officials - yay democracy!

Even though at times you may feel your vote doesn't mean anything or that our voting system is corrupt, just remember that there are places around the world still under dictatorships and suffering even worse than we do. Just because your vote is one of billions, does not make the vote any less valuable. Your vote is just as great as your boss's vote is (and his/her boss). Take the time and exercise your civil duty during election years, especially if you are a woman because many other women fought adversity to give you this privilege you have today.

3. We're still the land of the "American Dream"

Contrary to popular belief, you can still have it all in America. The house, the white picket fence, the 2 kids and whatever else you are willing to work for. The American Dream isn't always about the right to certain things you want in life, but about the ability to work for what you want to accomplish in life and reaping the benefits you so desire. I am proud to live in such a country where effort and hard work is rewarded and you are not beholden to the government for the things you earn on your own.

4. We're a melting pot of rich and diverse culture

America is not great for and because of Americans alone. Different nationalities, races and heritage have brought us some amazing contributions since our country's independence. They have helped mold America into the great nation it is today and have improved our way of living so much so that we are able to live in a great, but not always friendly melting pot. We need to better understand each other and our stories to truly coexist together and redeem the unjust tragedies that have happened in the past. We are all humans and we all love America. That should be enough to keep us tolerant of one another.

5. We are known for being one of the most well-educated nations

This may come as either a pleasant or disturbing fact. As a first world nation, we are constantly competing with other countries to be the most intelligent. Although we probably have miles to go in terms of nationwide schooling, we are slowly making progress towards a better system for those seeking higher education. On a global scale, we are much better off than some regions of the world are in having access to a public education system. Again, ladies, count your blessings.

6. We have the greatest military forces in the world

Take it from Dr. King. We've got the advantage of having the best defense system in the entire world, but maybe we wouldn't need such a huge defense if we weren't involved in so many wars. Still, we have to thank our men and women in uniform who protect the rights and freedoms that we are able to enjoy everyday. Some have paid the ultimate sacrifice to salute our great American nation. They make our country proud.

7. Now, everyone is allowed to marry whom they please

Sure, there are still many battles ahead for the LGBT community. However, gay marriage having been legalized on June 26, 2015 was a big step for our country in terms of constitutional rights for all human beings. In some countries, you can still be tortured or killed for loving the person you love.

8. Women are treated better here

I think many women can attest to the fact that it is better to be a woman in the United States of America than anywhere else. We still are fighting for some rights here in our own nation, but those rights are nowhere near as basic as the rights needed by some women in third world countries.

9. We are united in times of true crisis

No matter how different we may seem, in times of chaos we always stand together as American citizens and mourn the same losses and celebrate the same victories. Together we stand.

10. The opportunities are endless

When you think about it, there's really not much you can't do in America. Compared to the rest of the world, we seem to be the most opportunity-based country ever. You can be who you want to be in this country and there's plenty of options to do so.

11. America is beautiful

America is everything and more. America may sway and falter some times, but our identity of being the freest and most beautiful country is never lost fro my mind. I love that this country's values hold up to its name. I think America will always be the most beautiful country in the world, no matter how difficult times can be living in it.

~Story dedicated to those whose lives were lost 15 years ago on 9/11~