Proud to be an American

Posted On May 30, 2011

For even though we are by no means perfect, I am proud to be an American, and am thankful each and every day to have been born in this amazing country.  Today is an appropriate day to be thankful for all of the self-less people that have given service to our country.  Every one of us has some connection to those that have served our country, whether it be a relative, neighbor or friend.

Living in the DC area particularly brings this close to home as there are many testaments to the more than 1,346,000 men and women that have given their life to uphold the freedoms that we experience with each and every day.  The sheer numbers that are so visibly represented here are hard not to leave a lump in your throat:  the seemingly endless tombstones that spread as far as the eye can see in Arlington Cemetery, every name etched in stone on the Vietnam Memorial Wall, walking with the “men” in the rice paddies at the Korean War Memorial, the names inscribed on the base of the World War I Memorial, each star emblazoned on wall at the World War II Memorial, the sheer numbers of people riding in solidarity at the annual Rolling Thunder–just to name a few.

I am also sad for the loss of all those that have inadvertently lost their lives in the name of our country at the hands of hate by terrorists, in particular to those that have lost their lives on 9-11.  I am eternally grateful that for whatever reason, the meeting that my husband was supposed to attend at the Pentagon that fateful day was postponed, and brings even closer to home those that died that day in Arlington, Flight 93 and Ground Zero.  All of those senseless lives that were lost just because they wore the label of being an American.

In thanks to the uncle that I never met, Phillip Razler, who was killed in the Phillipines during wartime.  I have many relatives, uncles, cousins and my father that have served, both during war and in peacetime, for which I am grateful. I am thankful for my neighbor’s children whom proudly serve in the armed forces, one of whom who has been injured and still proudly continues to serve our country. I am saddened by all those who served and returned with a debilitating injury or mental illness.  You are fondly remembered and your sacrifice is appreciated by so many.

Dear Honorable Men and Women of our Armed Forces,

To all those who have served and continue to serve, I am grateful.  There are countless reasons that I am humbled by your services and appreciate that you allow me to continue to be what it means to me to be an American:

I am thankful for the right to vote, to be educated and openly voice my opinion.  Every time I read of a woman oppressed, I can not imagine what it must feel like to be human and not be recognized as a thinking, breathing and capable soul.

I am thankful that my children can freely worship and follow the belief of God without fear.  I am also thankful that they see others that worship freely in their own beliefs, and that this country supports their right to worship.

I am thankful to pursue the American Dream in whatever capacity that means.  Although each individual certainly has their own burdens to bear, each and every American can hope and strive for their version of their own American Dream, and for this I am grateful.

For as much as their are corrupt politicians, I think people are inherently good, and try to act in the best interests of our people. I think that the principles which founded our country are great and hope that we as a country can continue to pursue and hone our democratic freedoms so that all may one day live in peace and harmony.

For all these things and many too numerous to mention, I am proud to be an American and want to tell you that I appreciate all that you have done and continue to do to help make this country the amazing place that it is today.

Sincerely,

A Grateful American