Proud to be an American 🇺🇸 Happy 250th Birthday!
NOTE: This commentary was provided to the Steamboat Pilot by Jack McEncroe. Link is below.
When I was a young boy, the entire student body gathered on the lawn around the flagpole every morning and recited the Pledge of Allegiance as one of the older students raised the American Flag. We then collectively sang our National Anthem. We all knew how fortunate we were to be Americans because pride, patriotism and kindness were on display everywhere in America.
Young American men and women and our allies had just saved the world by defeating the Germans and the Japanese in World War II. Those [who] did not serve on the battlefield served at home in the factories, building whatever the front line troops needed for victory. This was a multi-faceted victory inspired and fueled by a United America.
Now, as an old man, I am loving every second of watching our foreign guests here to celebrate the World Cup in America and effusively praise our country.
I will, however, offer that we are the most generous people on earth. We are almost always the first to respond to global disasters and America is usually the largest single donor. We are able to respond instantly due to unmatched capability of our armed forces, who represent all Americans.
When they arrive at a disaster site they bring a hospital, medical supplies, medical expertise and thousands of gallons of fresh water, along with helicopters capable of reaching remote areas.
The industrial mobilization of the United States of America during World War II remains unrivaled in history for its speed, scale and impact. Since then, America’s scientific, medical, technological and industrial advancement have led the world where man had never trod.
We have transformed space travel and along the way put a man on the moon.
Many Americans have helped shaped daily life across the globe through innovation, compassion and service, often asking nothing in return.
So, as we approach our 250th birthday, let us remember that we could lose it all. It is up to us, as proud Americans, to teach our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren about the miracle that is America.