Would You Say It With Me? I Am Proud to Be an American

Yes, that’s me a naturalized citizen. I chose to be an American. Why? Because this is a great country, and because my ideals are lofty and my dreams are high; I claim freedom, I claim courage to act accordingly. I have the traits of an American, and the values. I am very happy to be here.

Although the Philippines, the place where I was born is a third world country, my family's status is more than A-okay -- almost affluent. So, I really did not miss anything at all during my growing up years. I was educated in private schools, and had all the toys I ever wanted. Yet, my hankering for America is so great. When I was little, my dad always brought me a jigsaw puzzle of America whenever he came from a trip in the United States; and of course, he told me stories of how wonderful the people are and the views are breathtaking!

I love to be an American because I love the sincerity of the people in helping one another. Groups are formed for this purpose like, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and the American Red Cross. To be part of a country that helps its citizens and other countries as well is an amazing feeling.

My father read to me Dick and Jane books, and Mother Goose nursery rhymes. He sang to me patriotic and country songs. When I was 4 years old, my mother taught me to write the English Alphabets.

I love my Raggedy Ann Doll. Of course, I love my Barbie dolls. I remembered having fun playing with my younger brother’s toys, the Tonka trucks and Lego building blocks.

The very first movie that I ever saw and remember is Bambi produced by Walt Disney, and I cried buckets and buckets of tears. When I was in gradeschool, I would rush home to catch Sesame Street. Late Sunday afternoons was spent with the Muppet Show. Around that period, my night time shows was Little House on The Prairie. I also remember the cartoons – Superman, Popeye the Sailorman, Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, and The Jetsons.

Then, when I was in my teens, I became fascinated with Hallmark greeting cards and Holly Hobbie. I also received my very first Parker Pen.

Now that I am much older, I still enjoy the books, the dolls, the shows, the pens and other material things from my past. Of course, when I was much younger, the value attached to it is because I find entertainment and pleasure in all of it and that’s all. Now, the value lies more in appreciation – in anything American-made.

It brings me to awe, how this country encourage creativity; the changing of the seasons, the many creatures, the vastness of the land. So much beauty … so much inspiration …

Certainly, there is a lot of stuff that came out from America by Americans because we are free to develop our ideas, we are free to exercise our skills, and we have the resources to create our designs into realities.

Evermore, I will patronize American-made products. As a housewife, I use Pyrex containers and Corningware dishes, glasses by Libbey, sewing machine by Singer. My husband, he wears work clothes by Carhartt.

More than made in the USA products, I am proud to be an American because I belong to country known for its compassion, and protector of freedom and democracy. The following, I firmly believe are the values of a true American:

Cleanliness – this is the key to a simple, healthy and easy life.

Equality – fairness in opportunities and fair treatment

Freedom – the person’s control of his destiny

Honesty – Jesus said, “The truth will set you free.”

Independence – self-reliance and hard work

Promptness – always on time, quick to respond

Responsible – considerate in words and actions towards self, others and surroundings

In his research, Dr. Thomas E. Grouling, of Drake University, came up with what Americans value the most: Individual Freedom, Choice of Education, The Family, and Privacy. (http://www.americanhospitals.com/questions/american/amervalues.htm)

As proof of my sincerity in saying I am proud to be an American my words follow my actions which is summarized by an article from the USCIS:

· Support and defend the Constitution

· Serve the country when required

· Participate in the democratic process

· Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws

· Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others

· Participate in your local community

(http://immigration.about.com/od/uscitizenship/a/Citizenship_Rights_Responsibilities.htm)

I love America so much that I would like to shout it on the rooftop. My husband was surprised that I could sing the four stanzas of the Star Spangled Banner. I was a bit dismayed that when I got my citizenship, the national anthem was not played. But, my spirits perked up and I sang to my heart’s content when they played Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”

There is so much to love about America – the beauty of the land, the mix and varied culture, the traditional values, the freedom-loving people. How about you, what would make you say – I am proud to be an American!

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