An American flag and the words "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"

When I get that polite “How are you?” greeting, I frequently reply “I woke up in America and that is a great start to any day.”

Yes, I know we face challenges as a country today, but I have faith that we will find a way forward. In the time allotted, schools can only teach the broad strokes of history. However, take any 30-year period and dive in deep and you will be astounded by crisis and challenges our forebears faced and overcame; I believe that we will find the same strength and fortitude to protect and preserve the Republic.

In any case, this country belongs to you and me, and I love the USA dearly and I’m proud to be an American. Yes, we are far from perfect and at the same time we greatly outshine most of the world. Rather than get down on my native land, I’ll take that and build on it any day. My father raised me to ‘pack my own weight’ and that service and contribution was the duty of every citizen. I’m incredibly grateful and appreciative of the blessings I’ve received as an American and I’m devoted to doing my part to making America an even better place for all.

Closing Quotes:

“There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.” – Bill Clinton

“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” – Abraham Lincoln

“True patriots measure themselves not by personal wealth or power but by the degree to which they contribute to the community.” – Eric Liu

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” – Thomas Paine 

As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier