From the first time I held the American flag in kindergarten and felt a warm feeling in my heart, to the first time I saluted the flag as a Marine, and now, when I take my hat off as the flag passes by, I have lived with a deep love for this country that is rooted in my soul. This love has motivated me to serve both my country and my fellow Americans.

I do not love this country because it is perfect, because it is not.

I do not love this country because Americans are perfect people. Because they most certainly are not.

I do not love this country because I have been forced to love it and I do not love this country conditionally –it makes no difference who the president is, or who is in power.

I will never be afraid or ashamed to be an American.

I do not live in this country because I have been forced to live here.

I did not serve this country because someone forced me to.

I live here and will never leave here, God willing, because I am free here.

I feel the freedom in my soul.

Patriotism involves loving my country, serving it, and encouraging others to do the same. To me, being an American means being willing to take necessary actions to protect the nation in which we live. I believe that patriotism means proudly standing for the American flag and showing no tolerance for any other flag.

God bless America – AGAIN

“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what YOU can do for your country,”

President John F. Kennedy