I’m proud to be an American.

Not arrogant, but proud.

Proud despite our nation’s flaws and imperfections. I know of no perfect nation in the world, present or past.
Proud because of the good that America does. Lately I hear people saying America is pushy and gets into the business of other nations. Funny, but I never hear that when America sends people and money to help tsunami victims, or rushes to the aid of others facing disaster, even if those others don’t like us.

Proud even when our best intentions don’t work out as we’d hoped. Results count, but intention is worth something. I’d rather achieve fewer results with the right intentions than more results with the wrong intentions.

Proud due to the countless men, women and children who never knew me but believed enough in the ideal of this country to sacrifice, often their lives, that I might enjoy freedom.

Proud that people can choose to practice their beliefs as long as those beliefs don’t harm others. No amount of revisionist history will change the fact that America was built on Judeo-Christian values. Ironically those values a society that allows the freedom for people disagree with them and believe differently if they choose.

Let’s celebrate with gratitude and hope. Let’s recognize what we’ve achieved but never be content with what we might achieve in the days ahead.

Happy Birthday, America…and may God bless you again.

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