Happy Birthday, America!

Today, my country celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a day symbolic of the following:

• Courage
• Freedom
• Persistence
• Underdogs winning against ridiculous odds

Those universal principles are cherished by all humans. As we know, there are many places in the world where such ideas are not encouraged or allowed. That’s what makes America so special despite her flaws.

What does the United States stand for?

The United States is an impressive symbol in the same manner as the official national symbol pictured above: the bald eagle. Why did we choose a bald eagle? Why didn’t we choose the turkey to represent our nation--according to founding father Ben Franklin’s desires?

I don’t have the precise historical answer to that question. However, I can say that the first leaders of the new nation may have pondered these characteristics of eagles:

• Determined (Just look at the eyes of the beautiful animal in the image above!)
• Flies above storms
• Nests high above the ground (not stuck on the Earth)
• Receives a boost from high winds/opposition
• Resides at the top of the food chain

How is America Strong?

There’s no doubt that my country is weathering more tempests than ever, internal and external. Political and cultural differences cause many divisions across this nation and throughout the world. In some cases, the gulf seems to be widening between value systems and lifestyles.  

The United States is not a perfect country; there is no such thing.  Yet, we’re still here. We’re not going anywhere.

I am more than proud to be an American:

• Born through unbelievable bravery
• Still standing despite implacable opposition
• Outlasting the naysayers

The lyrics to the song, Proud to be an American, by Lee Greenwood say it all for me. Here is a sample:

If tomorrow all the things were gone
I worked for all my life
And I'd had to start again
Just my children and my wife

I thank my lucky stars
To be living here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
And they can't take that away

And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the ones who died
Who gave that right to me

And I gladly stand up next to you
And defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God bless the U.S.A.

God bless America! The more you know about her history, the more you realize how miraculous her origin and continued existence truly is. Who doesn’t love a story of  a "David" overcoming all of his "Goliath"s?

Why are you thankful for your country?