The Greatness of America

Since today is a federal holiday for many (Presidents’ Day), I want to reflect briefly on why America is such a special nation in world history. Of course, each person will tend to have an appreciation for the country in which they have grown up or live, but America has been known for most of its history as a place to which people want to move. Why?

America has been blessed with wonderful natural resources, but so have other countries. When I was in the seventh grade, I wrote a report on Siberia. There is such a wealth of natural resources in that place, yet most of us hear the word and think of isolation and desolation. While our agricultural and mineral resources are noteworthy, there has to be more to explain the greatness of America.

One might think of the spirit of America and our revolution against the tyranny of King George III. Yet, plenty of countries have had governments overturned both before and after 1776. Some of those revolutions have resulted in improved conditions for people; others, worse. Still, the fact that America does not have a monarchy doesn’t explain her appeal to the throngs of immigrants who have sailed or flee to these shores.

America is the land of opportunity. If a person is willing to work hard, he is able to make a better life for himself and his family. Certainly, this has been true, and millions have flocked to the United States in pursuit of economic success. They have come from Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, the Far East, the Middle East, North Africa, Central Africa, Mexico, Central America, South America. In short, they have come from all around the world.  For many people reaching America has been a high priority goal and life-changing event. However, the opportunity to partake of the so-called “American dream” and to better one’s status is not the final answer.

From the Mayflower Compact, to the Declaration of Independence, to the Constitution of the United States, there has been a moral foundation that has made our great nation possible. From this foundation flow our unalienable rights, our opportunity to pursue success and to be rewarded for our labor, and the more perfect union of our different backgrounds as we come together as one nation, under God. The God of the Bible.  The God who gave His laws to mankind.  The God before whom all men one day must stand and give an account.

Presidents Washington and Lincoln were great individuals, presidents of historic importance, and leaders at crucial points in time. We honor them because they helped to preserve the wonderful gift that we enjoy called America.

This piece is written as a tribute to those who have served and now serve in our armed forces. Thank you for continuing to preserve America at home and abroad. God bless you, and God bless America!