A sincere thank you to anyone that has ever served our nation, to those who are currently serving, to the families of these heroes, and to those that offered the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Your courage, strength, and selflessness do not go unnoticed. In honor of Memorial Day, I'm publishing an essay I wrote a couple years ago for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot's Pen Essay Competition. 

Are You Proud of Your Country?

            My heart thuds in my chest, every year, when my family and I watch the fireworks on the Fourth of July. Perhaps, part of it is the fireworks themselves, but somewhere, deep down, I know it is because I am happy to live in America and proud to be an American citizen.

            Some people believe that if their country is in crisis they can just change sides, as if watching a school soccer or football game. But people that show real pride in their country will stay by their country’s side and help their country. They will not approve of every decision that is made but will suggest a different solution that they consider better. That is one reason I am proud of my country. Citizens of the United States are not afraid to use the rights and freedoms they possess to help their motherland. They demonstrate their feelings in the right way, giving everyone the freedom to speak.

            In the United States, we know that everyone was created equal. Every person can have their birth rights, regardless of race, gender, or nationality. This is all that is required. Now let me speak of the rewards of these actions. Our country is a flower blooming with intellectual minds. It is a nation of innovations and a leader in technological transformations. Our inventions have helped countless sources. And many people who helped make this fact reality did not originate from the States. Everyone standing on the U.S.A grounds has helped make it where it is.

            The people of the United States stood united once in defeating the mighty army of Great Britain during the Revolutionary War, and they should stand united once more in the eyes of a common cause. It doesn’t have to be war that brings our country together. In fact, it should be peace that now unites us. The world has needed our help before; they will need our help again. We must be in the position to provide that aid. After all, united we stand divided we fall.

            Our country is one admired greatly on the face of the Earth. The United States flag still stands proudly everywhere, and the Star Spangled Banner floats melodically through our country. And, as the breeze of the United States whispers in my ear, the answer is as clear as can be. I am proud of my country.