This month marks my 6th year to be living in the United States of America! I’ve lived here a quarter of my life now. That’s a strange reality. Of course my Dutch roots will stay strong since my family all still live in the Netherlands. But my love for this country is still great and I can’t wait for the day I can say that I’m an American citizen.
I enjoyed another Independence Day yesterday, watched fireworks, ate BBQ, a tradition I’ve started to cherish. Still I feel that many people my age and younger don’t appreciate this country and its freedoms like they need to. This actually accounts for many adults as well. I guess since we’ve never lived through a war or had any serious hardships, we in a sense have forgotten how privileged we are. We’re worried about the battery life of our phones, or if we have enough keurig coffee cups to make it through the week. Of course I’m guilty of this as well. But my grandparents, even though not American, have taught me that freedom doesn’t come free. The line that now has just become a bumper sticker to most, actually has a very powerful message. Many people have died, selflessly given their lives, so we can live the way we do. And we’re arguing about abortion, racism, and gay marriage, while terrorist are planning their next attack. Just let everyone be, stop judging other people and just make sure you’re the best person you can be. We need to stick together and realize that we live in the greatest country in the world. Let’s keep it that way! And protect it! My hope is that in a few years I get to vote for a president that loves this country as much as I do. Not someone who’s trying to turn this country into Europe, I moved from there for a reason!
Sam from Amsterdam 