It feels good to be American.

To believe is to see. That is how the world works now. We are in 2017 and for people to believe we have a great country, they have to see results first. Nobody will know about the great feats and battles won if it weren't for textbooks and the internet. No one will truly know how patriotism made its way from the battlefield to the stock market. But rest assured, this holiday will be like no other.

The Fourth of July is a special time of BBQ, hanging out with friends and family, and discussing how great this country is. But this year, we have a new (controversial) president, the world is turning against each other, and it has become a more hostile place. I have always wondered what other countries have thought of us during our holiday. Do they think we are crazy for continuing to celebrate a victory from so long ago? Do we bring out the worst in each other by celebrating it? The answer is maybe. Some might take it too far this year. They may believe they have the answers to all these questions.

This year, like any year, is more than celebrating independence. We celebrate our way of life and the things we are grateful for having every day. But isn't every day kind of like the Fourth of July? It seems like it because our flag is a staple in every day wear. We wear it proudly and we fly it outside our houses. It is a symbol of independence and freedom. Recently we have seen some flag burning and dissembling. It really saddens me to see that because here they have the right to express their feelings, yet they choose unwisely. It seems that some are ungrateful for what they have.

There are many opinions out there today about who runs our country. While I am not taking either views, I can express one thing. Things haven't changed no matter who has run our country. Nothing has changed because America was still the same. Some may think the end of the world has come this past November, but honestly, in a few years time, they will realize it didn't. Things may get bad or they may get worse, but for worse or for better, we still find time to celebrate. There has never been a time where we haven't. Because one person or a thousand people can't stop 300 years of history. The American people have kind forgotten what it was like to simply care. Care about where you live and how you live your life.

While I will be at fireworks with my friends and family, others may find themselves doubting the worth of this country. They may find many faults and things that they can't change on their own. Change is inevitable but when something is hard to fix, it can be unbearable. Take this time to realize that being American is being strong in these times of change. We are stronger together then we were alone. This holiday, remember those before you and the things you leave behind for others that come next. We may not all agree and we all have something to say. So let your pride show and have a happy Fourth of July.