For many years around the 4th of July, my family has attended the Folsom Pro Rodeo. It is a place for fun, food and families. We watch the mutton bustin’, the horse riding and the bulls. One of my favorite parts of this event is when a person parachutes into the arena with this gigantic American flag as they play “Proud To Be An American” written and sung by Lee Greenwood. Every time I hear that song I get teary eyed because I am so proud to be living in this country we call America!
I have traveled to several places in the world and I am always thankful to come back home to the States. Yes, we have our problems like any place does but there is something special about the United States. We have more freedoms than most countries have and our varied landscape is incredibly breathtaking.
Our diversity gives us the amazing opportunity to learn about different cultures. We get to share different types of food and many traditions. It is our diversity that makes America strong. We are a country that was built mostly by immigrants and we need to remember that. Even if your family has been here for several generations, chances are somewhere along the line your ancestors came by boat or foot from another country or continent.
Two hundred and thirty years ago on July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed declaring the United States to be independent of the British government. And I think the truths below still hold up today.
“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, 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 all the bad news we have received in the last few weeks, let us remember our founding father’s ideas that all men, and women, are created equal. We have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Let us all love thy neighbor as thy self and do to so with compassion. America was built on diversity. Let’s use that diversity to make us tolerant and strong!
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” – Dalai Lama
“Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” – Mark 12:31
Together we can accomplish anything. Let us use love and compassion to build America stronger and not hatred to tear us down. We are all in this country together so let’s use this diversity to work together, to build a stronger America. Remember the lyrics of Lee Greenwood’s song, Proud To Be An American –
“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”
