To be an American is a privilege which will always be precious. Being independent by working hard to raise a healthy family, celebrating holidays, trying to live up to the American dream. As a proud American I have the liberty to speak freely with rights as an individual towards issues such as religion, culture and language. Being an American is taking advantage of this land filled with opportunity, having the power to trend set new ideas that can spread globally that some countries will never have but can only dream. Living life in the fast lane while socializing on the weekends with friends, enjoying fast food at a football game or just relaxing in the sun, nude at a near by beach. Paying the bills on time, building and maintaining credit to lease or buy being accepted for a loan, abiding by the law trying to make life a little better than average. Having a voice to say yes or no, and an opinion when choosing a leader. Citizenship enabling us to travel universally feeling secure knowing that there's an embassy near by that welcomes ensuring safety. Taking part of the benefits offered thru welfare, unemployment checks, tax returns, food stamps, and social security. I can think of millions of more reasons and definitions on what it is but those were just some of the few things i personally felt and believe about what it truly meant to be an American and last but not least simple freedom with protection standing strong and united together is really what makes us special and one of the most powerful nation's today. .