“Four score and seven years ago our fathers
brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and
dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war,
testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can
long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to
dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here
gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and
proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate
-- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men,
living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power
to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say
here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living,
rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here
have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to
the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take
increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of
devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in
vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and
that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish
from the earth.”
-Abraham Lincoln, “The Gettysburg Address”, November
19, 1863
"In the first place, we should
insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith, becomes an American
and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with
everyone else for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because
of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s
becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American… There can be
no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something
else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American
flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English
language… and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to
the American people.”
—Theodore Roosevelt, 1907
“We
dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the
word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch
has been passed to a new generation of Americans--born in this century,
tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient
heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human
rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are
committed today at home and around the world.
Let
every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any
price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe
to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
* * * * *
And
so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you
can do for your country.”
-John F.
Kennedy, “Inaugural Address”, January 20, 1961
Being an American can be defined in many ways because there is a lot of things that make up American people. I think John F. Kennedy says it best when he says, “Americans--born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage--and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed,” . (Kennedy Inaugural Address) I think being an American is about learning from our challenges, being proud of where we come from, and being committed to our country.
ReplyDeleteI agree with "I think being an American is about learning from our challenges, being proud of where we come from." I feel the same way as we should be proud of our past, and then grow to be better then before. Americans should be proud to say who we are and not hold any of our feelings back.
DeleteYes I agree that an American can be defined in many ways. Also i agree that being and American has to do with pride and support for America.
Deletei agree because that what being a american is about
DeleteI believe that a American is defined as a person who is brave and honest. They are willing to fight for there country and wont give up till they gain there desired outcome. Americans are also people who are fully dedicated to America and to no one else and look for us to succeed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your view on what being an american means. I also think Americans are very dedicated.
DeleteI agree I also believe that a American is defined as a person who is brave and honest. They are willing to fight for there country and wont give up till they gain there desired outcome. Americans are also people who are fully dedicated to America and to no one else and look for us to succeed.
DeleteI disagree because these are very narrow traits to define an entire people by. By saying that Americans are "brave and honest" is saying that the vast majority of American politicians are, so to say, not American. Additionally, one may be dedicated to one's country without being willing to fight. People can still be dedicated to other countries, such as their home countries and their heritage and still be considered Americans.
DeleteAn American who is made a legal citizen of the United States of America. This person is willing to fight to fight for their freedom and their rights in time of war and despair. They believe in the right of free will and the right to choose what is best for their country. The American has rights that no one can take away and that the person would die than lose.
ReplyDeleteI believe that a American is defined by the people that are independent and honest. they say what on their mind and fight for whats right.
ReplyDeleteI agree, being independent is very important to Americans, as is fighting for what they believe in.
DeleteI agree that american should always fight for what is right.
DeleteI agree but remember that being an American also means to stir the pot. We are like melting pot of culture. We are all different and unique like the spices in curry. #Merica
DeleteAn American is a person who is definition of uniqueness, we come from all different backgrounds and let ourselves define who we are. They fly the red, white, and blue as a sign that they are part of a nation which heritage is rich and diverse. An american is a person who accepts challenges and tries to improve himself and his country.
ReplyDeleteThe american people are some one who always try to be better than any one at any thing at any given time
DeleteI agree, that is the reason that this country is called the "melting pot". even though we are a diverse people we stand as one!! #1 #Merica #FREEDOM!! #FORD!!!!!!!!
DeleteI believe that an American is defined as being selfless and honest. One of the biggest things I believe that has to do with being an American is being able to learning from past mistakes. John F. Kennedy says it best when he declares, " ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.” This shows that we should be selfless and willing to give up everything for the country we love.
ReplyDeleteI agree with grace, an American should be willing to put themselves out there and make a change for the better. It shows support and love for their country.
DeleteTo be an American means to be one with America. Sadly you cannot be American if you you do not live in America. I believe to be an American you must be brave and honest for your Country. You must also follow your beliefs and not change because of society. Just live your American Dream. #Merica
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Vinny because actually you do not have to live in America to be American. For example a citizen of America could move to India and still be proud of how they are American. I do think that you should be honest and brave if you are american though. So Vinny your part right.
DeleteTo be an American means to believe in a nation founded on freedom and respect for everyone's beliefs. In the Gettysburg Adress, Abraham Lincoln states how our nation is "conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." As Americans we are all equal and have the same rights given among us.
ReplyDeleteI believe what define an american is the ability for them to be able to pus through any task that is presented to them in the best way possible, they never quit and always succeed in one way or another.
ReplyDeleteAn American is a person who was either born in America or immigrated and legally became a citizen. Most citizen are proud to be an American and love and honor their country. Americans love the amount of freedom we have compared to other countries.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the legitimacy of your post. Americans are born in America.
DeleteI agree that most Americans are proud of who they are and where they come from, but i also believe that people who come to this country illegal define themselves as Americans because they are looking for something better than what they had before. They are looking for the 'American dream'.
DeleteI think that being an American is defined differently for each generation of Americans but the thing that units all generations is the search for freedom and equality. Americans are not one singular race, language, size, shape or color. Instead they are committed, proud, hard working people that stand up for their country.
ReplyDeleteAn american citizen is some one who only has one language is only american and some one who is sole loyal to America. An american is some one who doesn't want to take from their country, but give any thing they can to their country. An american is some one who is honored to be alive and thankful for them men and women who gave their lives so they could be free to live and be the way they want to be.
ReplyDeleteI believe an American is a citizen who has the right to freedom. It is our responsibility so stand up for ourselves for equality like Theodore Roosevelt said in 1907, "he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else". Americans stand for our freedom that has been fought for. Although we receive freedom, we are defined as giving back to our country because in turn, that's why we have freedom.
ReplyDeleteAn American shall be defined as one who is dedicated to this country and believes in its founding principles, such as liberty and equality. In The Gettysburg Address, Lincoln says, "The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract." What he is saying in this statement is that those who gave their lives to defend the rights of their fellow countrymen have consecrated the land though their great American spirit and dedication to their country.
ReplyDeleteI agree, to be a true American you must have pride in the fact that we have liberty, and equality. But, it's not just enough to say that we show equality, we must prove it by not discriminating.
DeleteI believe an American is someone who is dedicated to their country and fight for their freedom. John F. Kennedy had said, "Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country." You cannot just sit and watch and expect their country to change, they have to get up and do something about it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Amanda. A country cannot change if no one actively participates. If you see something wrong then stand up for yourself and make a change.
DeleteI believe being an American comes with a lot of pride and freedoms that other countries would love to have. You must be devoted and willing to sacrifice yourself to the country, be appreciative to what you have and be proud to be an American.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Americans are devoted to their country and do what they need to do to keep it safe &free
DeleteI agree, I think that Americans have certain freedoms that people in other countries may not have.
DeleteThe American dream was not always available to others. It was once only offered to white men. Women, blacks and children fought very hard for rights. Only after the Constitution was amended did they receive rights. That was when the American dream started to really develop. It came about that people would move here for a better opportunity at life. They would come from all over the world to have a better chance at gaining a job so they could have a house and a family. I think now that everyone in America has rights, the American dream is available to all of us.
ReplyDeleteTo be an American can mean many different things. One of the biggest things that I think defines us as Americans is our freedom, " it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin."(Theodore Roosevelt). Also being an American means to be willing to deal with any hardships, and to be ready to defend our friends against our foes as said by John F. Kennedy in the "Inaugural Address". In conclusion, being an American is about being free and willing to fight to sustain that freedom that we cherish.
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ReplyDeleteOne of the best Americans is a loyal one. Without a strong loyalty, there is no way to show your pride in your country. People show pride through the government and voting. Abraham Lincoln said in, “The Gettysburg Address”, "that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
ReplyDeleteI believe that Americans are defined by having certain freedoms that other countries don't have. An example of this would be, pride and freedom to do what we choose, within certain limits of course. Other countries have leaders that dictate what they can and cannot do, and as an American, we have the freedom to make our own choices.
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