Tomorrow will be the greatest holiday for this nation, Independence Day. Since 1776, when the Declaration was signed, we have fallen far from what it really means to be an American. We have fallen far from what it means to be a citizen of the greatest country in the world. Being an American used to mean that we are all immigrants, (and we did it legally), but not only are we white, black, Hispanic, Italian, German, or others, we are all first and foremost, Americans. This is the biggest idea we have come away from, acting together as one. That is what used to make our country so great, and that is what our president means when he says he wants to "Make America Great Again," (God bless the 45th President).

Being an American means we take Labor Day and Memorial Day off and thank our veterans and other soldiers for serving us no matter what. Freedom isn't free, it comes at the price of American lives when threatened. That is why we should be required to stand up for the pledge because if you believe in this country like an American should, you stand up for those that provided your freedom for you. Essentially, when the constitution was signed the biggest freedom we wanted (in the Bill of Rights) was to be able to speak freely whenever we wanted to whomever we wanted. Speaking freely is something that is currently threatened by phrases like "trigger warnings" and "safe spaces". But I think one of the greatest reasons that makes America American is the fact that we have the right to bear arms so if an unjust government (think Bernie and Socialism) infringed on the rights of citizens that were crafted by are founders, we can over throw the government.

With this righteous combination that makes us Americans, we need to believe in the fact, rather than opinion, that America is the single greatest country in the world and the most impactful society the world has ever known. Other countries don't have the First and Second Amendment, other countries are based on tribe or race. Like Carly Fiorina has said, we are the only country in the history of the world that was founded on ideas, great American ideas like liberty and freedom. So tomorrow on July 4th, stand up proud for the pledge, thank a Vet, wear your red, white and blue and blend together as one bleeding country of America. Remember every day, especially on Independence Day, that we are one thing first and foremost, American.