Finding Pride In My American Roots

It’s July 4, 1976. George Washington is in the middle of leading the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as the final draft of the Declaration of Independence is being signed by those in attendance. This document will change history forever as a new nation will be formed and will be declared the United States of America. 

Aside from being a big history buff, there are few things that I love more than being an American citizen. I genuinely love this country and wake up each morning thankful to know that I live in the greatest nation in the world. Just a few short days ago, I had the opportunity to participate in my first election. I was so proud to utilize my constitutional right and was yet again thankful to know that I live in a nation that is governed by its people and is for its people. 

Recently, at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, I had the amazing opportunity to bear the Indiana State Flag in the presentation of each of the associations’ flags throughout the nation. I couldn’t help but become overwhelmed with joy and happiness as I carried my state’s flag alongside 51 other states and U.S. territories. 

What was most meaningful about this experience, however, was that I was surrounded by 51 other individuals who were just as proud and happy to be Americans as me. Not only were we each proud to bear our own state’s or territory’s flag, but we were proud to represent the big picture as a whole: “one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.” While we each wore our own state’s name on the back of our FFA jackets, we were each proud of uniting under one organization and one nation. 

Although many things contribute to my great love for this country, there is one reason that rises to the top as to what makes this country so great: pride. We as American citizens take pride in our great nation. We are proud of the freedoms and peace that we experience in this nation. We are proud of being grounded in a democracy that puts its people first and is boosted by a Constitution that establishes liberty for every American. 

I find pride in my country because it has exemplified what the ideals of pride, love, liberty, patriotism, sacrifice, freedom, and unity should look like for nearly 250 years. This nation is where my roots lie; I am beyond humbled and proud to carry on my family’s generational love for this beautiful nation. I am truly proud to be an American and am blessed to know that my roots lie in the greatest nation in the world. 

Finding pride in my American roots,

Cale Williams

Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President