Massachusetts State Winner

Caitlin Johnson
North Andover, MA
Brooks School
Private (Religious)
11th Grade

On September 11, 2001, a tragedy united our country as never before. In the moment that the first plane collided with the World Trade Center, we were no longer a mixture of races and religions or a division of Democrats and Republicans, but a single identity: Americans. We joined together with a single dream, the dream of patriots over two hundred years ago. It is a dream of liberty, of a nation where the people has the power to decide its own fate.

Whenever this liberty is threatened, whether by the British in 1812, the Japanese in 1941, or Al Qaeda in 2001, we are filled with a burning anger, and a desire to protect the enormous gift given by so many who have died fighting for it. This is what it means to be an American; we have a responsibility to the soldiers and leaders of the past to protect our freedom that is so sacred, but so fragile.

Each American must fulfill his or her duty to the United States so that it will remain the land of freedom created two centuries ago. The men and women of the Armed Forces have made the ultimate sacrifice, and we are indebted to them. We civilians owe them our utmost respect and gratitude, and we must do what we can to help them here at home. We must believe in the cause they are fighting for, the cause of liberty, so that they do not die in vain. Above all, we must never take our home for granted.

Nations around the world believe Americans to be too proud. The fact is, we have a reason to be proud. Our pride is not vanity, but immeasurable thankfulness to be living in such a wonderful place. Since the seventeenth century millions of people have come here fleeing tyranny and oppression for a life of liberty. It is a place where young girls can go to school with the boys, where talent and hard work lead to success, where no books or television programs are hidden by the government, where the government itself has given us the right to protest against it. Above all, it is a place where we feel safe.

Americans have paid a price for these freedoms, which is why we are so proud. When America became a democracy, it paved the path for all other nations: France, Haiti, South America, England, and now Afghanistan and Iraq. Throughout its existence, America has evolved into an even more amazing country. Millions suffered for this country to bring about the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, and the civil rights movement. America has never been, and never will be, perfect, but each day it is becoming an even better place to live, which is something Americans deserve to proud of.

Because we feel so safe, America seems unbreakable. Our freedom is all we know, and it is impossible not to take it for granted. This is why events like September 11 shatter our country. In those moments, we realize that the life we love so much could end in a heartbeat. We remember how truly blessed we are to live in America, and that we must do all in our power to protect her.