There’s plenty of rhetoric going around about what is wrong with the world, and specifically, the USA. But today we are focusing on what we love about our country. No matter what your background or story, there is always the potential to succeed. This is a country that has always been a land of dreams, and it continues to be a place where people from all over the world can come to chase their dreams. I also love the diversity of America. It is truly a melting pot of cultures, and that makes for a rich and vibrant society. I believe that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and it is something that should be celebrated. Finally, I love the freedom that America represents. We are a free country, and that means we have the freedom to speak our minds, worship as we please, and pursue our own happiness. That is an incredible gift, and one that I am grateful for every day. What do you love about America?
HISTORY OF AMERICA
Most of us grew up learning that Christopher Columbus discovered America, but he was actually the last explorer to arrive here. Here’s a great article by NPR on the details. In fact, there were many other explorers who first stumbled upon the land we now call the United States. These explorers were indigenous peoples, who had lived on this land for thousands of years prior to Columbus’s voyage. They had established complex civilizations with their own languages, customs, and beliefs long before Columbus even set sail. So, while Columbus may have been the first European to visit America, he most certainly was not the first to discover it. Rather, it was already a thriving continent with a rich and diverse history long before he arrived.
FIVE FUN THINGS ABOUT AMERICA
- The Liberty Bell is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is one of the most famous symbols of American independence. The bell was commissioned in 1752 and was originally called the `State House Bell`. It acquired its current name after being rung to announce the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
- `In God We Trust` is the official motto of the United States and appears on all U.S. currency. The phrase was first used on coins in 1864 and was made the official motto by an act of Congress in 1956.
- ‘Mount Rushmore National Monument is located in South Dakota and features the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The monument was completed in 1941 and draws more than two million visitors each year.
- The Mississippi River is the longest river in North America and drains an area of more than 1.2 million square miles (3.1 million square kilometers). The river is home to a variety of plant and animal life and provides a critical link for transportation and commerce in the United States.
- Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, wolves, and buffalo. The park is also home to Old Faithful, one of the world`s most famous geysers.
HOW TO CELEBRATE WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT AMERICA DAY
- You don’t have to wait until the 4th of July to be celebrate America. Do it today!
- Dress in red, white, and blue.
- Post 10 reasons why you love America on social media, ask your friends to list theirs.
- Read, “32 Things Americans Do Best” written by non-Americans.
- If you love the article image, purchase it on these fun products on Zazzle!
Note: If the above links do not direct you to the appropriate referral on the first try, return to the article and try again.
Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate this day? Please share them!
