Sadie Hotakainen

Patriot’s Pen

Why am I inspired by America? I am inspired by America because it’s one perfect place for me. I’ve grown up here. I know the “Pledge of Allegiance” better than I know my own house, maybe because I’ve been doing it since pre-k, but that doesn’t matter. Everyone should know it! One thing in America that changed my life is the attacks of September 11, 2001. Even though I wasn’t born yet, it still made me feel something. How am I inspired by America? Well for starters, it is the land of the free. Also, someone is always there to help and, last but not least, there is always something to do.

I am inspired by America because it is “the land of the free.” We can live free without judgement. It is a safe place to live. It was a place where people with white and black skin were separated. Blacks couldn’t drink from white peoples’ fountains, lay with each other, and some stores didn’t even let blacks inside. Thanks to Martin Luther King Jr., and people like him, this stopped and life was better. We are “the land of the free.”

In America, there are many things to do. If you’re in New York, go see the Statue of Liberty. If you’re in South Dakota, go see Mount Rushmore. If you are in Washington D.C., go drive by the White House. You can drive across Golden Gate Bridge at sunset in San Francisco Bay or go to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Or, go out in nature, find a lake, take a boat ride, go swimming or have a bonfire. There are so many things to do.

I am inspired by America because everyone helps. If disaster strikes, there are people to be there to help, like the Red Cross, firefighters, or the National Guard. Americans stand together, which means we agree and take action together. We also have a choice to live here. America is called “the land of opportunities” because this is a place where the poor and depressed can find opportunity and freedom. America is also the land of hope. Here, people can have dreams, and they can chase those dreams. I love America, “the land of the free” and the “home of the brave.”

Autumn Salo

Patriot’s Pen

The United States of America. The people, this history, the storyline. This country was founded because of colonists fighting for their independence. We are a free country, but only because of our veterans. The people who risked their lives for their family, friends, neighbors and strangers. They didn’t have any obligation to go into that. All this shaped and formed us to be who and what we are as a country as well as the choices we have made along the way.

It’s the people who have brought us this freedom for which I and all the rest of America get to enjoy without the burden of the past. Because of the history of the U.S. and its veterans, I aspire to pay tribute to their legacy further as I go on in my life. Without those men and women putting their lives on the line, I wouldn’t be here today, writing this. Our world would be detrimental. But our veterans fought for an independent country that we all call our home.

Of the millions of veterans stories, there is one I get to tell you that is very special to me. That story was my great grandpas. I was only able to meet him a few times before he passed on to a greater life, but those times meant a lifetime to me. I hugged the same arms that guided the aircrafts onboard the U.S.S. Lexington. If only we were all half the man my grandfather was. His story makes me think of how the earlier generations had served and committed to this country and inspires me to contribute to the greater good for mine, and future generations. I think of how we too could have that commitment, selflessness and bravery to help the betterment of our country.

Therefore, when someone asks me how this country inspires me, I will have many points to bring up. I will have personal stories to tell, opportunities that I am gifted and all that the veterans have done and sacrificed for us. We are all very lucky to have those people that were willing to give up everything they have, to help a stranger in need. I can say, tried and true, that my country has not and will not let me down.

Shawna Geiser

Patriot’s Pen

Times are always changing. Or are they? In 1776 we gained our independence from Britain and have continued to be free since then. Many of the reasons our forefathers signed this document centuries ago still inspire Americans today including freedom, independence, and democracy.

Freedom is something that not every person gets to experience, but we as Americans can because of the brave leaders and soldiers who fought before me and gave me my freedom. I am inspired to ensure that future generations will also have the same great experience as me. I am inspired to support my military, vote for leaders that believe in maintaining our freedoms, and honoring our veterans.

Independence is a privilege that our country fought for, sacrificed, and earned. Independence is something everyone wants but not everyone gets. We get to have it because of the people centuries ago who sacrificed, believed and fought for our independence. The people before me have taught me the importance of independence. It is important to be able to help yourself and not rely on others for all of your needs. Independence inspires me to be strong, courageous, and stand up for what is right.

Democracy is what separates us from most of the rest of the world. As a democratic society, every American has a voice. We have a voice in what leaders get elected from the local to the national level. This inspires me to be politically involved so that I am informed and ready to make the right choices when I cast my important vote.

So maybe everything is always changing, but the values of America are the same as when we started centuries ago. The values of freedom, independence and democracy have stood the test of time and I am inspired so that they will continue to stand in the future!

Wolfgang Kawlewski

Patriot’s Pen

Flick, the lights turned on. What happened? A guy made the first working light bulb. Today this man, along with others, inspires people. These are three people that did great things to make our country better, including our first president, the man who invented the light bulb, and a woman who freed black slaves. American inspires me because of the great people that made our country what it is today.

George Washington was a great person. He worked hard on America’s government. He was one of America’s founding fathers, meaning he was one of the leaders of the revolution against Great Britain. He inspires me because he worked on making America a better place by being the first president, commander of the Continental Army, president of the Constitutional Convention, and he was a farmer. For these reasons, he is inspiration.

Thomas Edison was a bright man. He made the first working light bulb after 101 tries. He never gave up. He had 1,093 patents, the phonograph, motion picture camera, and the incandescent light bulb. He inspires me because he never gave up… I don’t think we would function well without the incandescent light bulb, especially when it’s dark. Without his moving pictures camera, what would we watch? Without the phonograph to record sounds, how would life function? There are cool inventions, but imagine the times he failed. But, he never gave up. That’s how he inspires me and people form all around the United States.

Harriet Tubman was a brave person. She worked hard for the freedom of black slaves, escaping slavery herself. She freed hundreds of enslaved blacks by using the Underground Railroad. She was one of the leaders of the Underground Railroad, a series of paths, hiding spots, and peoples’ homes that accepted blacks. She freed hundreds of enslaved blacks, including her husband, and none of her passengers got caught. That’s why she inspires thousands of Americans.

There are people who made our country what it is today. There are many people who are inspired by these national figures. These people had one thing in common: persevering through tough times. George Washington did great things in politics and government. Thomas Edison endured though his failed inventions. Last but not least, Harriet Tubman, she was very brave for saving others and that’s why she’s included. That’s how America inspires me. How does in inspire you?

Miley Guck

Patriot’s Pen

America is an inspiration to me because America consists of commitment, hard work, and healthy environments. Commitment consists of being loyal to your job and doing what you’re supposed to do, leading to hard work. Hard work in America is found in the soldiers who traveled so far from home to have justice for America. It is found in all of the factory workers who work extra hard for supplies, and in the custodians who help to keep our environments clean and healthy. How is commitment in America inspirational? Commitment comes in many forms. When you go to your job or school every day, and you commit to your work and lifestyle by doing those jobs. When you’re committed to something, you’re respectful to the work and loyal to the job. Coming together to solve problems and dilemmas improves your work status and helps when making friends. Committing to your job has a lot of benefits. If you’re committed to your job, you’re good at it. Commitment is a big thing because if you’re committing to your job, you’re most likely doing it right, and America needs commitment. For example, farmers have committed their lives to their jobs to feed us.

Why is hard work such a big thing in America? Hard work comes with respect. Respect also comes with benefits, meaning if you respect people and you’re kind to them, they will be kinder to you and other members of the community. When you work hard, you feel better. Knowing that you’ve worked hard also improves your mental health. When you work hard you’re building a positive mindset.

How does America build healthy environments with the world? America’s government builds good relationships and friendships with the people of the world. America has many healthy and non-toxic work environments. Many people from other countries visit America. With healthy environments, you develop a great mindset and work ethic. When you are in healthy environments you tend to be kinder to people, you’re in a better mood, and you just become a better person in general.

After all, America is an inspiration because of its commitment, hard work, and healthy environments. With commitment, America has loyalty and people who work for me and you. With hard work, America has everything we need so we never run out. America has good people and a healthy nature. America has all of these things!