Why I am Proud to be an American

We live in turbulent times.  If you watch or read the news, you see a nation of chaos and hate.  Many people look at the past and see nothing but betrayed promises, racial injustices, and failures.  

And yet, every time I see an American flag, I feel a surge of pride.  Why? Despite all her flaws, why am I proud to be an American?

Because America stands for an idea.  The belief “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

With this in mind, the founding fathers crafted a new and limited government and Constitution, based on consent of the governed, that they believed would be best able to pursue that idea and best protect the freedom of the people.

This was revolutionary.  It created a nation that has done more good than any other country in the world, and a place where people are more free than anywhere else to pursue their dreams. 

This ideal of liberty is part of what makes America so special.  Because unlike other countries, the American flag does not represent the government; it represents that idea, the Constitution, and liberty.

Despite this, that ideal is not fulfilled.  In this imperfect world, it will never be. But that is part of what makes America so unique: we have the freedom to pursue a better future.  

The words “all men are created equal” are still timeless, despite past failings. Our unalienable rights still ring true, despite not having always been applied as they should be.

We must remember what makes the USA extraordinary.  Yes, there were wrongs, and there will continue to be.  But we must remember that idea. 

The pains, wrongs, and hardships have been and are continuing to be overcome so that we may pursue it.  So many sacrifices were made by both soldiers and civilians, even up to death, in pursuit of liberty. 

America, despite her flaws, is an exceptional nation.  That is why I am proud to be an American.