I grew up a military brat overseas. I went to school on American bases alongside other military brats in a lifestyle that was different than the typical life here in America. We were told that our school system was similar to that in the States, and that we were treated just like any other American group of kids. We recited the national anthem every morning, and we followed a certain curriculum. We lived being told that despite our location we were American, and we should be proud.
However, we were also told that we needed to be a part of the country we lived in. I lived in the European economy, surrounding myself with a whole different culture while trying to fit in. In fact, one safety precaution we were given was to always fit in: Don’t wear clothes that label you as an American, such as shirts with American flags. Don’t be too open about the States. Be European. Do what you need to fit in. Don’t stand out too much.
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Because of these guidelines, we grew up dressing like Europeans, learning to speak the language, becoming familiar with the communities and public transportations, learning to appreciate foreign foods. We did what we could to be European.
I love Europe. I believe that growing up overseas helped me become the person I am today, and it was an experience that will affect me my whole life. Growing up overseas gave me an appreciation for traveling and loving other cultures.
However, growing up overseas in a military community taught me what it really means to be an American.
Every year on the Fourth of July, there was always a whole day of fun and performances planned on the base, where all the families would get together during the day on the base football field and wait until the fireworks at night. There was music, food, activities, games and other entertainment that brought everyone together. It was a typical American celebration, with hot dogs and burgers and picnics.
The band would play patriotic music, and the singer would draw attention with the familiar lyrics: “I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me…”
I remember hearing the words, “And I’ll proudly stand up next to you…” and seeing everyone on that football field do exactly that, stand up together and sing along to the song that we’ve heard so many times. Everyone would stand for the remainder of the song, and break into cheering and applause after the final note.
That’s what it means to be an American.
We stand together because we know who we are, and we love the country we represent. Some people see Americans a certain way, because of familiar and popular stereotypes. They think of the negative aspects of the culture and fail to see the bigger pictures; they don’t see the country as a whole and instead focus on just the people. They don’t see the happiness, the opportunities to learn and gain an education, the rights that we have, or the freedom our laws give us. There are problems with our country, because no country is perfect. We have our flaws and our struggles, but in the end we are still one united country.
This weekend is an opportunity for us to fully remember what it means to be American, as we celebrate the day we became an independent country.
Enjoy the day. Eat food, be with friends, watch a parade, marvel at a firework show. Celebrate the way you choose, but celebrate with a purpose; think about why you are celebrating. Think about the past years, and about all the work and sacrifice that has gone into making this country what it is today.
Find out for yourself what it truly means to be an American.
