There are over 7 billion people in the world who live in 196 different countries. The United States of America is home to 300 million of those people. America is not made up of just one race, ethnicity, or religion; we are a “melting pot” as some call it. There are a multitude of ethnic groups that reside in America, including the ones who were here from the beginning – the literal ‘Native Americans.’
No matter your background, you still honor the American values and celebrate its holidays. Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Independence Day, and Presidents’ Day are just some of the holidays that are recognized every year in this great country. We commemorate those who made our country how it is today, the ones who fought for decades before us to advance our way of life and those who keep us safe so we can live the life we are so privileged to live here.
As a country, we do not always agree with one another – heck, sometimes we can’t stand each other. But, like we’ve constantly shown, we as a whole country are a force to be reckoned with. No terrorist attacks nor divisive elections will tear us apart permanently. In the moment, it may rock us, but we will overcome it all, like we always have. No attack will ever push us down. As Toby Keith said in Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue, they’ll be sorry that they messed with the U.S. of A.
So, despite the hard times, the disagreements, and the issues we may have as a country, we must stop every once in a while and appreciate how truly lucky we are to live in a country as great as ours. As Independence Day comes up and we get the boats and coolers ready, take a second to think of those who were there in the beginning, fighting for our independence and, especially to think of those who continue to fight for our independence and well being all over the world everyday.
Some are born here, some are brought here, and some are still hoping to live here. No matter your connection, you must be proud to be an “American.”
Happy 4th of July!!