Why I care about America (12/31/78)

Why I care about America

by Kristine Lyktey

I care about America and I feel privileged and grateful to be an American. I can think of no other country in the world which provides more opportunities of freedom than America. In our nation, a person is limited only by his capabilities and ambitions.

A democratic government is the true basis of our freedom. Under our system of government the citizens of this country are guaranteed the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, as well as the right to assemble and to worship as they please. These rights, together with others guaranteed under the Constitution, are unique to our form of government.

We still process the powerful patriotic spirit and ideals which our forefathers nurtured from the very birth of our nation - the spirit that united us as a people. Cooperation between all people of various ages, ethnic groups and economic backgrounds have contributed to the success of our nation. We should all strive to make the United States a living sign that all persons are created equal - no matter where they were born or who their parents are.

America has a great vitality left and our government will continue to efficiently operate if we continue to have faith in its future existence. No other nation's history has been so filled with heroes, dramatic events or remarkable achievements. We should be willing to do our share to keep the American dream alive and growing as a symbol for all other countries.

I believe that to care about America is to support America - to make it into an even greater nation. Support comes in various forms. Some are very obvious, while others are not as evident, but are equally important. Support can mean donating to worthwhile causes, volunteering time, or giving one's physical or mental abilities for the benefit of all citizens.

Our founding fathers cared about our country when they drafted the Constitution. Lincoln cared when he sought to reunite our troubled nation. Millions of men and women cared when they served our country in times of war, and often sacrificed their lives. We, too, should care, and help to plot the future course of our country.

The strength of America's democratic system of government depends upon the active participation of its future leaders. I feel that my generation should fully understand and appreciate our nation's foundations, since it is we who must insure that these ideals are adhered to and preserved for future generations. We should prepare with confidence to accept the responsibilities of determining the future or our nation.

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