The Fourth of July is a time when we get to celebrate what an amazing country the United States is. I know I am proud to be an American, and I know there are millions of others who feel the same. Many of these reasons are not found only in the United States, nor is the U.S. perfect in any one of these 50 things that make it so great. However, this nation is truly great, and I am so excited to celebrate its 240th Independence Day. Happy birthday, America. You are loved.
1. Democracy
2. Value of Minorities
3. Freedom of Speech
4. Clean Drinking Water
5. Free Public Education
This country has an amazing education system. With 12 years of free, public education, think of the possibilities! An educated mind is valuable in today's world, and young Americans are itching to compete.
6. The United States Armed Forces
7. Value of Family
8. Vaccinations
9. Fun Pastimes
From camping to sporting events and from plays to amusement parks, the possibilities of fun things to do with friends or family are seemingly endless.
10. 50 Different States With 50 Different Histories and Unique Cultures
11. Diversity of Land and Wildlife
"From the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam!" There aren't a lot of countries with oceans, mountains, deserts, everglades, glaciers, and volcanoes, but we have it all. Additionally, we share our home with thousands of different species of fauna.
12. National Holidays
13. All Kinds of Food
"What should we eat for dinner tonight?"
"Hmm, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, or Thai all sound good to me."
14. NASA
15. Access to Health Care
16. Freedom of Religion
17. Appreciation for the Arts
18. Libraries
19. Freedom to be Who You Want to be Regardless of Where You Come From
There is no system dictating who you will become because of who you were born as. This place is your oyster.
20. Freedom of Press
21. Public Transportation
22. Cleanliness
23. Value of Women
24. Indoor Plumbing
25. Safety
26. Easy Access to Laundry
27. Children are Highly Regarded as Important Members of Society
28. Days Set Aside to Celebrating Just About Everything
To name just a few of July's national days, we've got National Fried Clam Day, National Father Daughter Take A Walk Day, and National Hammock Day. Click here for a full list of National Days.
29. Ability to Work and Provide for Family
30. Diversity
From the diversity of the 50 states to the diversity of people from other countries, the United States truly is a melting pot. Only a small percentage of the population of the U.S. is actually "from" here, and all of us have a different, unique, and beautiful story of how and when we became a part of this great nation.
31. Transparency of Information
32. Museums
33. Appreciation of Pets
34. Access to Good Quality Clothes and Shoes
35. Ability to Travel Across the Country
36. Great Opportunity (think college)
37. Music
38. People Still Do Good Things for Each Other
39. Summer Camp
40. Live How and Where You Want
If you like the big city life, you can live it! If you prefer living in a small town where everyone knows your name, there's nothing stopping you! The United States has all different kids of living conditions, and, if you want it badly enough, you can live in whichever one you may choose.
41. Ability to Travel Internationally
42. National Pride
43. Housing
44. Safety Enforcement
45. Non-Corrupt Law Enforcement
46. Friendly People
47. Accessibility to Food
You can grow all your own food in your backyard, buy it all precooked for you, or anywhere in between. We've got farmer's markets, large grocery stores, and specialty shops galore. In the United States, we do not have to ration food at this time, and are even provided with help from the government if food is unaffordable.
48. Power Delegated to States Instead of Federal Government Ruling All
49. Access to Affordable Technology
50. National Parks
Grand Canyon National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Everglade National Park
Well, there you have it--I sure am proud to be an American. Thank you for being a part of what makes this country so incredible. May we celebrate the Stars and Stripes with pride!
God bless America!
