July 4th, 1776: Every year, on the Fourth of July, we celebrate America's independence.

The day our forefathers, a group of patriotic and unyielding men signed a Declaration of Independence. The day we became ‘one nation under god’ with freedoms of individuality. But freedom came with hundreds of thousands of Americans laying down their lives in hope that the next generation would bask in unimaginable freedom. The blood, sweat and tears of these men cemented freedom in the hearts of all Americans.

January 1st, 1892: Ellis Island, an immigrant processing station, opens to hundreds of thousands of people yearning for a taste of American freedom. One hundred twenty-five years later, there can be no denying that immigrants constructed the firm foundation which America was built upon. From the first colonizers who set foot on New World soil to the millions of immigrants who enter the United States every year, it is the cultural assimilation and work ethic of America’s millions of immigrants that have laid the foundation for this nation’s greatness. America’s “tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free” have given up their homes, cultures and families to make our country stronger.

December 7^th, 1941: Just hours before the break of dawn, six Japanese aircraft carriers launched a devastating offensive on Pearl Harbor, a harbor on the island of Oahu. In a matter of minutes, what started out as an uneventful Sunday morning transformed into one of the most devastating and villainous attacks on American soil. But, as always, the American people refused to crumble. Hours after the bombing, the American army was ready to protect and defend. Throughout history, we have been blessed to have men and women who feel the patriotic urge to serve their country in uniform. They know they may be called upon to risk their lives, but they are moved by a sense of duty, an understanding of the true meaning of freedom and the role America has played in defending it, and a conscience that recognizes the value, not just of the individual pursuit of happiness but of common responsibility to uphold freedom and happiness for all.

I take pride in my country because of the sacrifices its people have made to ensure my pursuit of happiness, even at the cost of their own. America has become more than a nation of people; it has transcended as a symbol. It is a symbol of opportunity, freedom, equality and courage. To me, America represents individual sacrifice for the greater good of its people and its values. America is great because of the sacrifices of those who continue to cherish this nation. My responsibility then becomes, to give back what has been given to me. So it is never a difficult decision for me to express my gratitude. To stand up, pledge allegiance and honor the sacrifices our nation’s forefathers, immigrants and soldiers have made to keep the country united.

I am proud to call America, this land of unlimited opportunity and sacrifice, my home.