America: A Youth’s View

It was a trap. Dakota Meyer and his fellow marines were set to speak with the people of a village in the Eastern Afghanistan mountains. Instead, they were greeted by over 150 enemy soldiers. They had walked into the middle of an ambush. With four of Dakota’s Marines trapped, he frantically called in for help from his neglectful commanders, who refused to assist him. After over an hour of calling, help was finally sent in the form of a mere armed truck. With nothing but his own bravery, Dakota and what remained of his troops charged into battle. Dakota’s bravery was rewarded greatly. He managed to save over 12 fellow troops, and was awarded our nation’s highest merit, the Medal Of Honor. His bravery is an example of the traits that make me swell with pride to be an American.
Although I have done nothing thus far in my life that compares to the noble deed that Dakota accomplished, I am very aware of the foundation and morals that make our country such a great place. From my family’s efforts to raise money for the Katrina victims, I learned valuable lessons about caring for others, and the importance of selflessness.
The outpouring of support by volunteers for their fellow Americans shows for us that we are moral as a people, and together can keep America great. After World War II, we had gained the unprecedented position as superpower and yet we went back to our enemys’ countries, Japan and Germany, and helped clean up and im-prove upon their former glory. This act of selflessness is yet another thing that sets us apart from ruthless nations, and makes me truly proud to be an American.
Yet another thing that makes America different as a country is the way we, the people, can present our uncensored opin-ions. In many other countries, if one were to publicly defy his government, they would be shot dead or taken as a political prisoner. Here however, we are free to criticize and attempt to improve upon our government’s ways without consequence. Public protest against some government policies is actually supported in America, for many good ideas have sprouted from people against certain laws or government action.
Our media is another thing that sets America from the pack. Our country has no media censorship, and the people are free to publish works that may have been seen as treasonous in other countries.
For the reasons I have given, and many other that I cannot expand upon, I greatly value being an American citizen, where people find freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and everyday values something worth fighting and dying for. A coun-try where people are free to express what they want when they want, believe what they want without fear, and a country that genuinely cares about others. I am proud to be an American, where at least I know I have thousands of fellow patriots and soldiers fighting for the things we enjoy everyday.
(ED. NOTE: The author, 12, is grandson of Publisher Art and Patricia Hall. He lives in Fort Drum, N.Y.)