John F. Kennedy once said, “The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.” Our founding fathers birthed this nation with the importance of freedom at the top of the agenda. This freedom that they fought for has been kept alive throughout the entire life of the United States and it will continue to stay strong in the future. However it is quite clear that citizens have begun to take freedom for granted, and they seem to forget the cost of freedom. It is important to understand the meaning of being an American because to be an American means to fight for freedom no matter what. This freedom that our founding father fought for is the
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Many people all over the nation exemplify this definition of what it means to be an American. One example of how people show their pride in America’s successes is those who celebrate the 4th of July. One day a year, families and friends gather together to celebrate the day that America fought for their freedom. On that day America made history, and every year citizens gather to celebrate and show pride in their country. Those who participate in the 4th of July are prime examples of what it means to be an American because they show pride in their countries successes. However, to be an American means to be hopeful and supportive in times of failure. An example of supporting our country would be our US soldiers. One million men and women have dedicated their lives to supporting and protecting our country. This reality that citizens could have so much faith and support in their country that they would risk their lives in order to protect it is an amazing example of what it means to be an American. These citizens may not agree with all of the Nation’s decisions and actions, but they believe in what their nation stands for and so they fight to keep America safe and protected. To be an American means to be proud in the US like those who celebrate the 4th of July, but it also means to support and fight to protect the US like the US …show more content…
Even though these examples are seen as horrible in the eyes of the country, it is still important to understand and learn what they are. For one, an American is not someone who does something to better only themselves. One of the many compelling factors of the United States is the American dream and one’s capability to become anything from anywhere. While this opportunity is very compelling, it is important for an American to remain unselfish. To be an American means to benefit the people in all circumstances. Being greedy or selfish is very common in modern America, but it is not what America is all about. Another negation of what it means to be an American is that an American is not someone who tries to take away one’s freedom. A recent example of this would be the NFL football quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem in order to take a stand against police brutality against black citizens. While Kaepernick’s actions were protected by the constitution, the general public was outraged with his actions and some went as far as burning his jersey. Many of those who opposed his actions during the national anthem claimed that he should be forced to stand, and that he should be punished for refusing to stand. Those who claimed that he should be forced to stand go against
Many people all over the nation exemplify this definition of what it means to be an American. One example of how people show their pride in America’s successes is those who celebrate the 4th of July. One day a year, families and friends gather together to celebrate the day that America fought for their freedom. On that day America made history, and every year citizens gather to celebrate and show pride in their country. Those who participate in the 4th of July are prime examples of what it means to be an American because they show pride in their countries successes. However, to be an American means to be hopeful and supportive in times of failure. An example of supporting our country would be our US soldiers. One million men and women have dedicated their lives to supporting and protecting our country. This reality that citizens could have so much faith and support in their country that they would risk their lives in order to protect it is an amazing example of what it means to be an American. These citizens may not agree with all of the Nation’s decisions and actions, but they believe in what their nation stands for and so they fight to keep America safe and protected. To be an American means to be proud in the US like those who celebrate the 4th of July, but it also means to support and fight to protect the US like the US …show more content…
Even though these examples are seen as horrible in the eyes of the country, it is still important to understand and learn what they are. For one, an American is not someone who does something to better only themselves. One of the many compelling factors of the United States is the American dream and one’s capability to become anything from anywhere. While this opportunity is very compelling, it is important for an American to remain unselfish. To be an American means to benefit the people in all circumstances. Being greedy or selfish is very common in modern America, but it is not what America is all about. Another negation of what it means to be an American is that an American is not someone who tries to take away one’s freedom. A recent example of this would be the NFL football quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem in order to take a stand against police brutality against black citizens. While Kaepernick’s actions were protected by the constitution, the general public was outraged with his actions and some went as far as burning his jersey. Many of those who opposed his actions during the national anthem claimed that he should be forced to stand, and that he should be punished for refusing to stand. Those who claimed that he should be forced to stand go against