My appreciation for America has been instilled in me since before I can remember. My grandfather, a Vietnam veteran who served from 1966 to 1968, has shared stories of wartime and the fear, strength, and perseverance that comes with it. From the moment he was drafted at age 18 to the intense training and long journey to Vietnam, his commitment never diminished. His belief in our country and what it stands for kept him focused on his mission.

America is the land of the free and the home of the brave, where we give everyone a chance. My grandfather described his time in Vietnam as one where he missed being free and lived with the constant fear of being mortared by rockets. He gave so much for this great country, and his sacrifice inspires me.

America is constantly evolving and improving in ways that span individuals, families, communities, education, cities, economics, and government. I am inspired by the opportunity that is available to anyone, regardless of their background. Hard work pays off in America, and many people have become successful when starting with very little. Jeff Bezos is a great example of someone who had a great idea and worked hard to make it a reality, and now he is considered to be one of the most successful, self-made billionaires.

I am also inspired by the diversity and resilience of the American people. We come from all over the world, with different beliefs, cultures and experiences. Yet, we are united by the shared values of freedom, equality, and opportunity. Although we have faced many challenges throughout our history, we continue to persevere.

I am proud to be an American, and I am inspired by the people who make our country great, like my grandfather. I believe that America is the best country in the world, and I am committed to working to make it even better.

- Thomas Russell

November 2023