“Why I’m American Proud”

Last month I entered a regional essay contest. Essayists were to discuss, “Why I’m American Proud.” The winner was given front-row tickets to a Merle Haggard concert, a greatest hits CD – HAG: The Best of Merle Haggard, and publication in the local media. The winner was…yours truly. Here’s a picture of me with the Hag (and others involved in the contest). Below is the essay.

“Why I’m American Proud”

As an American, I am privileged to live in a nation where freedom has flourished for over two centuries. The founders of the United States, following in the footsteps of their ancestors – those who traversed the Atlantic with difficulty for the sake of freedom – established this nation upon the precept of “liberty and justice for all.” Since the founding of this nation, millions of people have trekked from all over the planet – from the open plains of the Dark Continent to the reef laden shores of Australia, from the snow capped peaks of Europe to the steamy jungles of Asia, from the remote rainforests of South America to the teeming municipalities of North America, and from all the valleys and the villages in between – to experience the freedom, opportunity and prosperity offered in the United States. Coming from a host of nations, Americans have blended together like the threads of an exquisite tapestry.

During the last century, when tyranny has advanced and liberty has been overwhelmed, Americans have come to the aid of their global neighbors. My paternal grandfather proudly sailed the Pacific with thousands of others to release those under the oppression of the bushido blade. My maternal grandfather proudly flew over the skies of Europe with thousands of others to liberate those subjugated under the swastika. They were thanked by those they freed and returned home heroes, welcomed with tickertape parades and brass bands. A generation later, my father proudly served in the defense of freedom with thousands of others when conflict erupted in Asia. During a caustic time and a bitter war, there was little gratitude though there were thousands of heroes. They returned home, often despised and made to feel unwelcome in their own land. Now my time has come to proudly serve our great nation, taking my place with thousands of others in the defense of freedom and the advance of democracy. Like my father, I’m living in a caustic time and serving during a bitter war. Like my grandfathers, I’m living in a time when my fellow Americans realize the dangers braved, the losses faced, and the sacrifices given by our military members. Like millions of other Americans who have served their fellow citizens and citizens around the world, like my grandfathers and my father, I’m proud to serve as a member of the world’s finest military. I’m American proud.