anya's+last+reflection

Standing proudly in the crowd, I sing along to the //Star Spangled Banner//, //America the Beautiful//, and //God Bless America.// Dressed in only an oversize t-shirt with my mom’s scraggly handwritten Declaration of Independence on it, I feel the immense patriotism of the crowd. Next to me stands my brother wrapped in a flag and my best friend draped in tea bags. My face breaks into a smile uncontrollably. I inhale deeply, taking in the aroma of hot dogs and hamburgers being grilled. Through the adults’ legs, I catch a glimpse of Uncle Sam on stilts, a stoic vision from the perspective of a six year old. Gathering up all my courage, I meander cautiously over to him. Now standing next to him, the true immensity of it hits me. I stare, jaw dropped, in awe. Turning towards me, Uncle Sam scoops me into his arm for a hug. While wrapped in his ridiculously large arms, I feel the warmth and pride of a nation. Our hug is broken only by the familiar sound of fireworks. We turn, watching them silently; taking in the splendor of our country. That day was the first day I truly knew what it was like to be American. It’s the feeling of complete and utter pride in your country. I think of Americans as being some of the most patriotic people in the world. Even though people from many other countries may feel that kind of love for their country, I think we do it in the most dazzling and dramatic way. One example is of all the commercials on television promoting the army, which is historically considered one of the most extremely patriotic organizations. But why are we so much more patriotic than other countries? I think it is because many of the more rural towns in America are so isolated that they believe that we are superior, we are the crème de la crème. I happen to think that is a naïve point of view, but I think that patriotism is a positive part of our society. It brings everyone together during hard times.

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