Elmer Davis, the Director of the United States Office of War Information during World War II, once brilliantly declared, "This nation will remain the land of the free only as long as it is the home of the brave." This may have been said over 50 years ago, yet still is to be adopted into our mindsets today, if not, more than ever.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, a celebration of America's independence, may we pause and reflect upon this, realizing that our nation was not founded upon barbeques and discounts, it was founded upon the bravery of individuals who were bold enough to fight for what they were passionate about. This Fourth of July, evaluate the bravery found in yourself. Evaluate what it truly means to be an American.

Am I being brave? Am I protesting what I despise and advocating for what I support? Am I doing this without fear of others and their ridicule, or do I sit silently and submissively? It is the silent and submissive ones who are the biggest threat to our freedom, for they live in fear.

Why do we continually live in fear? Why are we afraid of how others may view us? Why am I fearful of the opposition of others? I refuse to allow my life to be a series of moments when I was too afraid to speak up and stand up. It is my hope that even if I am standing and speaking alone, I will not cower to the majority. It is my hope that everyone feels this way. May we all refuse this to be silent.

Regardless of my race, my religion, my background, my American duty is to be brave, and my duty is to fight for what I am passionate about, and fight for what fills me with determination.

Imagine the outcome of this nation if we all were brave. Imagine if we all fought for issues we felt were pressing. Imagine the good we could create if we were brave.

This nation is far from perfect, yet will never progress if we do not verbalize what concerns consume us. We will remain where we are, in the midst of crises and unfair laws. We will remain dissatisfied is we do not raise our voices and educate others of our opinions and our ideas.

It is not merely the duty of soldiers to be brave, but all of us as Americans. We are all soldiers in one way or another, fighting battles of all kinds. Bravery is not only reserved for the battle field, but reserved for a place in our hearts and actions.

We have the ability to uphold our freedom if we vow to be brave.

We are Americans, and we are to be proud of that. We are Americans, and it is our duty to be brave. We are Americans.