Maryland State Winner

Jordan Haegerich
Upperco, MD
Carroll Christian Schools
Private (Religious)
10th Grade

To be born in America is probably the greatest privilege granted to an individual. The ability to wake up each and everyday and enjoy the fact that we live in a free society is a gift inherited by only a small portion of the world's population. The feeling of pride, respect and thankfulness to God when you go out to your flagpole in your front yard and raise the American flag can not be experienced by someone born on another side of the earth without the opportunity to come to America. This is why no American should ever take their country for granted.

The miracle of America is truly amazing. If an American really wants to appreciate how lucky he is to call himself an American, he needs to study our history. In order to grasp the sacrifice of our fallen patriots, study the Revolutionary War. The war which gave us our independence not only fills you with pride, but also thankfulness. How on earth can a bunch of farmers, who know next to nothing about warfare, be able to defeat in convincing fashion the mighty empire of the British military? The United States was obviously blessed by someone. If it were not by the grace of God, and the steps taken to ensure that God was behind us in our crusade, America would not have stood a chance.

The honor of calling yourself an American is a privilege envied by people of all walks of life. Not only do we have the rich history under our belt to brag about, but we also have the ability to call our country the greatest on the planet. The United States is the overall leading nation in the world. That is something to surely be proud of. No other nation can rightfully assume this title.

Why is illegal immigration the problem that it is? Simply put, we are the greatest envied nation. Some plot to harm our country, known as terrorists. However, most all of illegal immigrants are illegally crossing the border because their family is in need of money. Capitalism is all a part of the American dream.

Our founding fathers did not establish just another country, but a place of refuge from over-controlling governments, a shore of escapement from religious tyranny, and a land where dreams can come true. The United States of America was created not just for themselves and their posterity but to all men who want to taste the American's everyday life.

The sacrifice of the fallen patriots throughout American history is not to be overlooked. Neither are we to forget that we all can be patriots in one form or another. The greatest of today's patriots are currently in Iraq, Afghanistan, other miscellaneous bases around the world, and here at home protecting our country from threats abroad.

Today, Operation Iraqi Freedom is slowly, but surely trudging along the path blazed by our founding fathers in creating the chance of a new life. A life of independence, freedom, and liberty within the boundaries of our democratic republic will hopefully be given to the Iraqi people soon. Let us hope and pray Iraqis will have half the success and prosperity Americans have been blessed with.