FIGHTING AMERICAN SPIRIT: LAND OF THE FREE, HOME OF THE BRAVE

by Laurel Delaney, U.S.A.

I am proud to be an American. We stand for freedom, democracy and the land of opportunity. We stand for honesty, integrity, values, bravery, loyalty and accountability.

Americans are the luckiest humans in the world because we are ordinary people who are allowed the freedom to perform life's duties unwaveringly, while holding steadfastly to our high ideals. We are the richest country in the world not because of financial markets but because of our strong connection to citizens around the world. Our empathy and helping hands extend not just to our own people but to people worldwide. Never, in our history, have we turned our backs on those in need.

In the wake of the attack, Americans will stand tall with heads held high and honor in check. When our faceless enemy comes forward, we will look "it" squarely in the eyes and determine whether to crush it or let it live, creating a higher awareness and understanding before putting it to rest. Yet, it is not the destruction of the enemy that is so important; rather, it is to scrutinize the central issues involved that led to an attack in the first place. We will conquer this and move forward with our lives. And rest assured, our President will lead us to do the right thing on all counts. His grace under pressure will not die and he will preserve our dignity.

Our tragedy is not just an American tragedy because it belongs to the world. We will not give up. We will gather our strength, unite and re-build our country and our lives as quickly as possible. We will irrefutably demonstrate our character. We will rally our fellow countries to create a sense of commitment, collaboration and global community. Together, we will overcome the enemy.

I reach out to the world and ask you to join me in standing by the American dream. Francis Scott Key had it right when he wrote the "Star-Spangled Banner," for we will always be the land of the free and the home of the brave. In the end, America will prevail.