Given all that is happening with this 2016 presidential
election cycle, I put my thoughts together on my view of America.
I do not agree that we have to make America
great again. I will agree that this great experiment needs some nurturing and
that we can do better.
As a military veteran, who comes from a long line of
military veterans, I know it is a place worth defending because we live in a
country that is the envy of many, given the freedom and opportunities that are
available to everyone who lives here.
I know it is a place of hope as many thousands of people still risk it all to come here. I know
it is a place of beauty and grandeur as reflected not only in the American
people but also in our natural resources, our spirits, our smiles and our
willingness to help one another.
I know it is a place of dreams, where one can not only dream
of a new future but actually attain it with support, dedication, drive,
determination and desire. The means and
resources to take those dreams and make them into reality are available if one
is willing to do the work, sacrifice and seek them out.
I know it is a place of wonder, awe and discovery, where
everyone is encouraged to create a life of peace, harmony, and security for
themselves and their families.
I know that it is a place of diversity, as the “melting pot”
of the world, we have the most diverse population on the globe, which is one of
our strengths because from diversity comes tolerance, acceptance, inclusion,
strength and compassion.
Finally, I know it is a place of community and love, as we
dedicate our lives to service to humanity.
As Americans, we know it is our
responsibility to ensure that the ideals that helped birth this great nation
are not only preserved here, but also shared with the world to assist with the
growth and evolution of us as a species.
Some might say that I have a romantic and perhaps even
unrealistic notion of what America is and to that I say, America is more than a
country. It is a promise of a better
life. It is an idea forged through
courage, sacrifice and will. And, while
things in America are not perfect, it still is and will always be a beacon of
light to the world, because of the people, their dreams, ideas, and the
freedoms we enjoy.
May you be blessed always and in all ways!
Harry E. Shade
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