Dictionary.com defines fear as "a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined". I don't know how many of you have actually thought deeply about the events that occurred on September 11, 2001, and the events that have occurred since then, but I have. Fear is always at the forefront of my mind when I remember the terror of that day. Yes, life goes on. Yes, we fought back. However, if that could happen to the United States during a virtuous and rich part of our country's history, what could happen to us now?

    Most Americans will tell you that they have never been more afraid than when they heard the news that a third plane had collided with the Pentagon. The Pentagon is supposed to be the "strong hold" of the United States. Housing all of our military commanders, the Pentagon is the symbol of the strength of the United States of America, so for it to be demolished on one side, it strikes fear in the heart of Americans, it strikes fear in my heart.

         I believe that in some way we, as Americans, will always be afraid of what is out "there"; meaning the threats to our perfect little world. Although I am afraid of another attack like the one that occurred on September 11, 2001, or even the attack that occurred on December 7, 1942, I agree whole heartedly with Lee Greenwood when he sings, "I am proud to be an american, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men that died, and gave that right to me."

  

   The men and women of the United States' Armed Forces have always and will always fight for our freedoms, but they also fight for the freedoms of those around the world. Fighting for the freedoms of others is the exact reason why the United States joined forces with South Vietnam in 1954. Over the past few weeks during this unit, I have spent many hours wondering why exactly we should care? Why should we, as Americans care about the freedoms of those around the world as long as our are not being threatened? Then I realized that although we spent years in Vietnam fighting a war we knew we could not win, we had to have given hope, if not to the Vietnamese people, then to those else where facing the same issues. Yes, people died. No, we didn't win. However, in some small way I like to think that we may have decreased others fear to speak out against their own Communistic Governments. We are still afraid, but maybe we have a reason to be, maybe we are afraid because we know we have something to loose. 

So, yes I am proud to be an American, and yes, I do proudly proclaim "God Bless the USA!"

Forever & Always,

Me