My American Identity
Freedom
The Thirteen Colonies defeated the British in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) winning independence from Great Britain and establishing the United States of America. This independence was the beginning of living free in the United States. The Bill of Rights were written December 15, 1791 which spells out Americans’ rights in relation to their government. It guarantees civil rights and liberties to all, such as freedom of speech, press, and religion. For the most part these rights and liberties still hold true today, but some such as the right to bear arms has become a divisive interpretation of its original intent. Our freedom has not come easily and without great sacrifice by those who serve in our military and government. As citizens of the United States, the freedoms we have become accustomed to should never be taken for granted.
National Anthem
“And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.”
“The Star Spangled Banner” was originally a poem written by Francis Scott Key after she witnessed Fort McHenry being attacked by the British during the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the sight of a lone U.S. flag still flying over the Fort at daybreak. Her poem was later set to music and officially became the National Anthem in 1931. It is a heart wrenching and awe-inspiring song every single time it’s played whether at the Olympics, other sporting event or public gathering. It is sung with great American pride and represents all those who have fought to preserve our freedoms.
American Dream
The American Dream represents the notion that people who come to America from other countries will find prosperity and freedom. An example of the American Dream is being more successful than your parents, owning your own home and being independently wealthy. Migrants risk traveling to the United States, leaving their families behind in search of a better life in the United States. Some view the American Dream as a chance to become rich and famous. If you work hard and are willing to make sacrifices along the way, it is possible to achieve your goals because you will have the freedoms to allow it, this is the American Dream!
9/11
On September 11, 2001, 19 al Qaeda terrorists hijacked four airplanes. Two airplanes were flown into the World Trade Center Towers in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside of Washington D.C. and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Almost 3,000 people were killed in the attacks, the most ever on American soil by a terrorist group. The attackers were allegedly retaliating for American support of Israel and its involvement in the Persian Gulf War. This attack united Americans in the search and ultimate capture and death of the assailant, Osama bin Laden.
Military
There are six branches in the United States Armed Forces. The Army is the oldest service of the military and provides the ground forces that protect the U.S. The Marine Corps maintains amphibious and ground units for combat operations and is a component of the U.S. Navy. The Navy provides on, above and below water forces and is a major deterrent to aggression around the world. The Air Force can deliver rapid, flexible and if need be lethal air and space support anywhere in the world. The Coast Guard provides law and maritime safety enforcement, marine and environmental protection and military naval support. It operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and under the Navy during war time. Most recently added is the Space Force which trains and organizes space forces to protect the U.S. and its allied interests in space. All fall under the President of the United States as Commander in Chief. I am a proud supporter of the military and have a long line of military family members. My grandfather is a retired Air Force Major General who served several tours in Vietnam as a B-52 bomber and fighter pilot. My father is also an Air Force veteran who was an engineer on navigational and radar systems during the Gulf War. My Uncle and cousin served in the Marine Corps and after 9/11 my Uncle volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan. Because of my family, immense pride and patriotism is a tremendous part of my identity.
Hawaii
Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959. The state of Hawaii consists of eight main islands: Nihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii was first discovered by Polynesians who came upon it simply by following the stars as their guide. A fun Hawaiian fact is that in 1889 Joseph Kekuku from Laie, Oahu invented the steel guitar. The steel guitar became very popular with American country music and still is today. On December 7, 1941 Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu during World War II. President Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hawaii is known for its sugar plantations, coffee, pineapple and amazing surfing.
Native Americans
You can’t write about National Identity without mentioning Native Americans. Native Americans are the original people of our great land. Inspired by my ancestors, I’ve always had a passion for the plight and culture of the Native people. “You say that I use the land, and I reply, yes, it is true; but it is not the first truth. The first truth is that I love the land; I see that it is beautiful; I delight in it; I am alive in it.” (N. Scott Momaday) Native Americans’ relationship with land was that of a spiritual nature and of reverence, respect and humility. It is with great shame and despair to study the history of how the early settlers stripped the Native Americans of their land and therefore their identity and culture as they knew it. Pictured above is Big Foot, leader of the Sioux, during the Wounded Knee Massacre.
Bruce Springsteen
“Born in the USA” is one of the most played and recognized albums of the 1980’s. Bruce Springsteen is often associated with being an American Idol and symbolizes a true working-class American citizen who made it to the top. His working-class origins influenced him to write songs rich in historical themes of economic inequality and racial injustice. The song “Youngstown” recounts the birth, preeminence, and eventual decline of the nation’s iron and steel industry. “These mills they built the tanks and bombs that won this country’s wars. We sent our sons to Korea and Vietnam. Now we’re wondering what they were dyin’ for.” Never afraid to tackle politics through lyrics, Springsteen is widely recognized as expressing the views of many Americans. He is known as one of the greatest American Rock n Roll artists of all times and happens to be one of my favorite artists.
New England Sports
Growing up in New England it’s hard not to be a sports fan. We have some of the best teams in the Nation who play at some of the best venues in the Nation (not biased). The Patriots have won 6 Super Bowls in my lifetime. The Red Sox have won 12 World Series Championships, the Bruins have won 6 Stanley Cup Titles, and the Celtics, which is probably my favorite team has won 16 National Championships. It is an indescribably special feeling to attend one of the New England sporting games. Living on the Northshore of Massachusetts it’s an easy train ride into the Boston Garden. New England fans are always all in and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the electric energy.
Massachusetts
To me, Massachusetts will always be my home. I’ve lived in the same town since I was born. My town is on the north shore which allowed me to be a day student during high school at a boarding school, The Governor’s Academy. Boston will always the most beautiful, spirited, and my favorite city and I can thank it for the addition of ‘wicked’ to my vocabulary, dunkin donuts, the cape and islands and much much more. My proximity to a major city has made traveling out of state another part of my identity.
Nantucket
The island above is my favorite place in the world and happens to be just off the coast of my Massachusetts. For me Nantucket is both vacation and work. Last summer (and hopefully this summer) I worked as a hostess at the golf club out there and had the chance to meet amazing people from all over the world, further my work ethic, and live away from home with my best friend and housemates, from South Africa, Bulgaria, and St. Thomas. However, my parents honeymooned in Nantucket, so we have been taking yearly vacations for their anniversary making it also my favorite getaway.