Why I'm Proud to be an American

I know it may seem a bit ritualistic or sappy, but I don't care. In preparation for this 4th of July holiday weekend, I've been thinking a lot lately about why I'm proud, indeed grateful even, to be an American.

I know there are plenty of people in the world who hate us because we are "arrogant, ignorant Americans." I've faced that particular attitude a few times while traveling around the world.

But I wish those people could see what our country really is about.

Ever since I was a little kid, running around playing G.I.Joe, I learned about the history of the United States. I mean, when you stop and think about the events that brought about the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Revolutionary War, it is pretty incredible. It saddens me that there aren't that many public Pledges of Allegiance to the Flag anymore. In some ways, society has almost made it seem "kooky" or "silly" to be a Patriot.

I remember that as a Boy Scout (yes, I got my Eagle Scout award finally) we were taught to honor and respect the Stars and Stripes. We carefully folded it when needed or carried it with solemnity whenever we had a "flag ceremony" and "posted the colors." It always made me think of all the soldiers like my grandfather and my father who put their lives on the line in order to defend the very freedoms that Old Glory represents. I don't think I'll ever forget my trips to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetary, Gettysburg, the Vietnam Memorial, or even to an old World War II bomber plane crash here in Utah that we would visit annually where five airmen died during a routine flight.

But it isn't just the bravery and might of our military. No, although much of the world sees us a bullying warmongers, I wish they could look deeper at the people of this nation. I wish they could see the group of teenagers who volunteer at the local childrens' hospital each month or the dentist who flies himself to Honduras to perform free dental work for the poor. I wish they could see the farmer who helps his neighbor finishing plowing the field because it is getting late in the season or the two little kids on the street corner selling badly mixed lemonade because they want to make their own money to buy a toy at the store. I wish our critics could see all the churches full on Sunday or the family bbqs on Saturday. I wish they could see the volunteers who package food for shipments to those left homeless in China by the earthquakes or the teacher who stays after school to help a struggling student. The list just goes on and on. To all those who preach their "hate the Great Satan, the United States" speeches, I say very clearly to you: You don't know us at all.

The greatest part about all those things I just mentioned is that we as Americans are free to choose to do them. No one forces us. We have no king to worship or emperor to obey to the death. We are truly free to become as great and as giving and as memorable as we want our lives to be. Heck, because of that freedom 130 of us athletes signed a petition to the Chinese government asking for an Olympic truce this year!

I love this country. Sure, we've got issues. We've got things we can improve. There's plenty of crime, dishonesty, greed, immorality, and enough frivilous lawsuits to last a lifetime, but there is still so much GOOD. I've been so lucky to meet so many wonderful Americans during my life, whether is was through school, work, church service, social scenes, or athletic pursuits. People who are so caring, so hard working, so compassionate, so friendly, and so genuinely great.

All these things, and more, make me proud to be an American. So, why did I bring all this up on our bobsled team's blog? Because it is for all these reasons that I am proud to be an American athlete.

I'll never forget the first time I stood atop a medal's podium while the National Anthem of the United States was played. It was a cold night in Lake Placid, New York. I admit it, yes, I teared up a bit as the medal was placed around our neck, and then my teammate and I got to place our hands over our hearts as that great song blasted over the loudspeakers. Nothing beats wearing a United States of America uniform. Nothing beats representing this country in one of the greatest sports in the world. But every time I put on something that says "USA" I try to remember what the US Hockey Team coach Herb Brooks once said: "The name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the name on the back."

God bless America. Have a great 4th of July everyone!