What Does It Mean To Be An American?
Sunday, July 05, 2015
GoLocalWorcester Lifestyle Team
As we gather to celebrate the 239th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we can reflect on the struggles this nation has overcome. Through the cold of Valley Forge, the shock of the Great Depression, and two world wars, the United States has held fast.
SEE SLIDES BELOW: Worcester Answers What It Means to Be An American
We are a country of many peoples, many ideals, and many beliefs, yet we are all Americans.
GoLocalWorcester has asked several local leaders one question :What does it mean to be an American?
There are many answers to this question. Their responses are provided in the slideshow below.
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Senator Harriette Chandler
"It means freedom, our history, and the 4th of July is a tribute to a young nation that has grown to lead the world. Thus, Independence Day is a time for remembrance and celebration."
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Matt Wally - Council At-Large Candidate
"As we celebrate our nation’s independence this weekend and I reflect on what it means to be an American, one word stands out: resilience. To be resilient is to adapt and prevail against adversity, to overcome challenges and bounce back stronger and wiser. Our spirit of resilience is evident throughout our nation’s history. We have shown our grit and fortitude as we fought for the abolition of slavery, as we persevered through two World wars, mourned the loss of leaders like President Kennedy and Dr. King, and today as we fight the war on terror."
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School Committee Member Hilda Ramirez
"America means a country where you can dream and realize your full potential. Where you can live and get to know people from around the world."
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John Giangregorio
"America means today as it did to our Founding Fathers: the pursuit of liberty.
Free speech, free assembly, freedom of association, free to pursue happiness and economic prosperity and those freedoms protected by law and a system of equal and fair treatment under law."
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School Committee Member Brian O'Connell
"As Alexis de Tocqueville wrote, our nation is “the great experiment … of the attempt to construct society upon a new basis.” It remains committed to the “unalienable rights” of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” enshrined in its Declaration of Independence. It has defended these rights through the extraordinary persistence, courage, dedication and sacrifice of every generation of Americans since its founding. While it has endured, it remains fragile, and it thrives best when its citizens truly participate in its governance. We enjoy extraordinary rights, but we secure and protect them only when we carry out the responsibilities related to them as well."
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WPS Comm. Specialist Jen Roy
"I am blessed to live in a state where “Boston Strong” is a way of life, and with the recent passing of the Supreme Court supporting gay marriage, I feel each day we are becoming “America Strong”. As I grow older, I become more humbled by the courageous acts our ancestors, our own parents, our own friends and neighbors have carried out to ensure our freedom. Our wounded warriors deserve our support. We must continue to protect our citizens and fund medical research while recognizing the value in stem cells and space exploration. I have high hopes for America and pray our leaders refocus their vision for our future."
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City Councilor Gary Rosen
"With all of America's challenges, including poverty, crime, corruption, drugs, homelessness and racial strife, ours remains the only country in the world with long lines of people waiting to get in. These folks see America as a land of hope, health, freedom, safety and opportunity - all the reasons that we gladly live here.
Today, on America's birthday, sane and civilized people everywhere celebrate with us because they know that, even with all our flaws, our country is the world's best hope for peace and prosperity. Happy Birthday and many more, beloved America!" -
Worcester Pride President John Trobaugh
"America has increased its circle! Growing up in the US meant that I was never to be married or have children. It meant that I was a de facto criminal since there were laws against who I could love. Now I have hope that our children will grow up in a society where they are respected, where gender roles are not automatic. I am hopeful that we will continue the dialog on race as well. We need to admit that we have bias and when possible mitigate it. I’m so proud America has increased its circle; we need to be ever vigilant to continue increasing the circle."
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School Committee Candidate Nick D'Andrea
"To me, America really is the American Dream, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I was not born in this country and chose to become a U.S. citizen in 1994 because I wanted to be part of the democratic process. That is a liberty that not every nation in the world has and we sometimes take that for granted. The beauty of America is that everyone is entitled to their opinion and has the right to voice their opinion without fear of retribution I owe everything I am to my parents for bringing me to the United States. We are truly living the American Dream."
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Former Speaker Tom Finneran
"America is the world's successful melting pot, a bright light in a dark and dangerous planet. America is the hope of the world, a land of liberty and opportunity. America is not what's wrong with the world. America is what's right with the world. It's the world's last best chance. America, of thee I sing................"
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Gary Vecchio
"When I think of the usual phrases that people have always used to describe America, there is a reason for it. They actually do tell the story of our country. It is the land of the free and the home of the brave. It is a country where people care about the less fortunate and try to help each other. It is also a country where with effort, most people can improve their lot in life. America is the country with the most outstanding schools and medical facilities anywhere. We are still the best country in the world."
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City Councilor Konnie Lukes
"The greatest gift my father gave me was America"
Whenever I make that statement the reaction is usually one of surprise and discomfort. My father arrived in this country as a teenager from a poverty stricken and autocratic country. He was alone without family and little money except what he could borrow at 100% interest.There was no welfare safety net, and this land of opportunity offered him only the chance totake advantage of its political and economic stability. We always flew the American flag July 4th on the porch of our three decker. To my father it was the symbol of freedom and liberty.Are we able to pass this same gift of America on to future generations?
Regretfully, that is a question whose answer today too often is in doubt.
My father would not have understood or approved of that discomfort.
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