Texas State Winner

Thomas Bell
Amarillo, TX
Amarillo High School
Public
11th Grade

Cheers and applause resound across the stadium at the conclusion of the "Star Spangled Banner." Few other things in life draw out the emotions that we experience as we stand at attention to sing a patriotic song, passionately debate which direction our leaders should guide us in, or casually discuss our nation's history and the incredible people who guided her through these past two centuries during good times and bad. But what makes America so worthy of our adoration, of our pride and of our commitment to keep her strong? Several qualities contribute to her great character, but most importantly are the freedom and liberties of which we partake, and our ability to stand firm, united together, even in our disagreements.

Freedom exists as America's most enduring quality. This country, long before any other, embraced democracy and dedicated herself to "the proposition that all men are created equal." In America, men and women of all races and economic statuses maintain the ability to speak their minds without fear of retribution, to practice a religion of their choosing without fear of political persecution, and to partake in a government run by the people who they elect. In a larger sense, freedom defines America because our soldiers have gallantly fought and died for it, sacrificing their lives "upon the alter of freedom."

Another feature of the American character manifests itself in her ability to unite not only in triumph, but more importantly, in times of grief and despair. In the aftermath of 9/11, American citizens declared to the world that no amount of terror, or violence would obstruct our freedom or way of life. This resolve has surfaced throughout American history during troubling times. Americans muscled up to Japan's challenge after the disastrous attack on Pearl Harbor and turned the tide of World War II, declared "Peace through Strength" and built up the military and weapon stock-piles, forcing the "Evil Empire" to collapse, and has now declared war on world terrorism in an attempt to both keep Americans out of harms way and to reform the world into a safer, more civilized society. Although Americans may not always agree politically, we understand that "a house divided against itself cannot stand" and we unite together in our struggles so that our great nation "shall not perish from the earth."

The American character presents itself in a variety of ways. Americans have never backed down from a challenge, but instead rise to every occasion, and as a result, have sent astronauts into space, defeated brutal regimes and now lead the world both militarily and technologically; these characteristics stem from her constitutional commitment to liberty and her ability to stand firm together. Furthermore, these attributes characterize America and denote what it means to be an American. Hence, America deserves our love and support in this new era. As a new dawn approaches, let us resolve to uphold our freedom from people who would snatch it away from us because of their hatred of equality and liberty, let us commit to ensuring "a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations," and let us unite together in our differences so that we may continue to be known as "the land of the free and the home of the brave."