The United States has not necessarily had the longest or most in-depth history in comparison to great countries that came from ancient civilizations such as Italy or Greece, but that does not mean that our history isn’t fascinating and quite frankly, groundbreaking. Do I wish that we had ancient buildings scattered all over our nation and historical documents to describe what they were used for? Absolutely.
But you know what? Every single time I see the Declaration of Independence or Constitution in person, it’s breathtaking. It might not be a preserved arena in which gladiators fought, but it is the paper evidence and real handwriting of our forefathers who fought with blood, sweat and tears to provide future generations with a free country. It is such a radical concept, even in today’s modern world, to have a society in which we have so many entitlements to independence. That is something to be proud of. While I absolutely adore European culture, I am still so fascinated with the melting pot that I call home. In many other places across the globe, citizens are Italian, British, French, Vietnamese and that’s that. When you ask where their ancestors come from, it seems like a silly question because they identify so strongly with the country that they themselves were born in. While I think that sense of nationality is incredibly important and something that we Americans need to learn from, I still appreciate the diversity we experience and embrace in America. In the United States, we have such a strong claim to our bloodlines and where our last names settled across the Earth, and that is such an intriguing concept. Are we all Americans and do we all say that we are American? Yes, mostly. But then we go deeper. With pride, we add in all of the heritages that we claim and within our households, we practice traditions that our great-great-great grandparents celebrated.
I have come to realize that our richest history isn’t necessarily about what is in school textbooks, rather it’s within all of us. My personal family history has a greater contribution to the United States of America that I might never fully grasp. Every person who comes to the states adds such a unique perspective and benefit to society.
Our forefathers were brave fighters. Courageous, sometimes patient, and always strong-willed, they believed in the society that we were and the potential that we could be. It’s time to show some of their qualities within ourselves. If you don’t like the way that yourself or a group of people are being treated, speak up! Not on social media or grumbling things in the background, but shouting it from the rooftops… literally, if you can. The U.S. is more of a powerful country than we realize, let’s use that platform to do some good! When it comes down to it, America is what we make of it. We are the people, and we should decide the shape that our country will take. Make it yours, make it ours.
Happy birthday, USA. You have granted me the amazing privilege of having so many freedoms, empowering me to be a young individual, and providing me with the tools necessary to grow into the person that I want to be. We might butt heads at times, but you will always and forever be my home.
When you’re cracking open that beer about to watch fireworks over the lake, remember all of the dedication, commitment, belief and trust that is behind it all. I am so proud and grateful to be a part of the red, white, and blue.
